Inverse Scattering Theory for Phase-Conjugate Reflection Coefficients: Application to Optical Switching

Abstract

The importance of the phase function for the solution of inverse problems can be demonstrated by considering phase-conjugate reflection coefficients, i.e., two reflection coefficients with equal amplitudes but opposite phases. Propagation of light rays along a dielectric waveguide can be modelled as a progression of total internal reflections at the boundaries of the waveguide. Since it is known from direct scattering theory that total internal reflection at a dielectric interface is accompanied by a phase change of p radians, it will be useful for the synthesis of inhomogeneous optical waveguides to investigate the implications of this phenomenon for the corresponding inverse problem.