Stability through asymmetry: Modulationally stable nonlinear supermodes of asymmetric non-Hermitian optical couplers

Abstract

We analyze the stability of a non-Hermitian coupler with respect to modulational inhomogeneous perturbations in the presence of unbalanced gain and loss. At the parity-time (PT ) symmetry point the coupler is unstable. Suitable symmetry breakings lead to an asymmetric coupler, which hosts nonlinear supermodes. A subset of these broken symmetry cases finally yields nonlinear supermodes which are stable against modulational perturbations. The lack of symmetry requirements is expected to facilitate experimental implementations and relevant photonics applications.