Dynamical localization and AC Bloch oscillations in periodic optical waveguide arrays

We show in detail that an array of optical waveguides whose curvature periodically changes can give rise to AC I optical Bloch oscillations. The equivalent of the AC driving field is generated by the periodic curvature change of the waveguide array. For certain ratios of the Bloch oscillation frequency and the drive frequency our numerical simulations show dynamical localization where the optical spatial wavepacket periodically returns to its initial shape and lateral position in the array. We also discuss the experimental implications of this finding.(C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.