Linear and nonlinear Zeno effects in an optical coupler

Abstract

It is shown that in a simple coupler where one of the waveguides is subject to controlled losses of the electric field, it is possible to observe optical analog of the linear and nonlinear quantum Zeno effects. The phenomenon consists in a counter-intuitive enhancement of transparency of the coupler with the increase of the dissipation and represents an optical analogue of the quantum Zeno effect. Experimental realization of the phenomenon based on the use of the chalcogenide glasses is proposed. The system allows for observation of the cross-over between the linear and nonlinear Zeno effects, as well as effective manipulation of light transmission through the coupler.