The calculation of switching power of symmetric and asymmetric nonlinear directional couplers with variable coupling coefficient

It is proposed that the switching power of symmetric one-coupling-length nonlinear directional couplers (NLDC) with variable coupling coefficient (VCC) can be calculated as the weighted average of the local critical power of the coupler. Further, it is shown that the switching characteristics of a one-coupling-length VCC NLDC are determined mainly by the first half of the coupler and the switching power of an asymmetric VCC NLDC can be calculated as the weighted average of the local critical power over the first half of the coupler. Both symmetric and asymmetric examples are presented.