We study the optical switching of the two-dimensional nonlinear coupler in a doped photopolymer. The coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations (CNLSEs) describing our coupler system are analysed using Lagrangian variational method. From the Lagrangian, a set of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) describing the system dynamics is obtained. This set of ODE’s is further reduced to single coupled equation and an analytical solution is obtained using the cnoidal functions and the system dynamics is studied. The key factor for switching mechanism of our coupler system is the metal-induced surface plasmon resonance (SPR). This SPR-induced local nonlinear effects results in self-focussing of the optical beam through the launched core. A description of a particle in a well is also made to study the photon switching through the coupler system.

A theoretical analysis of modulational instability (MI) of optical pulses propagating near the zero dispersion wavelength of a lossless fibre with the effect of delayed saturable nonlinear response is presented. We calculate the exact dispersion relation with the effect of higher dispersion for the harmonic perturbation. We analysed the impact of fourth-order dispersion effects in the MI spectrum. We examine the possibility of MI in both dispersion regimes, regardless of the sign of the group velocity dispersion.