Optical limiting properties of nonlinear multimode waveguide arrays

An experimental investigation of the transmission of multimode capillary waveguide arrays containing a liquid nonlinear absorber shows an enhanced nonlinear response relative to that found in a single waveguide and to the same length of bulk material. Comparison of the nonlinear response of arrays with different pitch to diameter (d/Lambda) ratios confirm that both the intensity distribution within an individual waveguide and coupling between the elements of the array influence the overall nonlinear response.