Simultaneous existence of ultra-high and ultra-low spectral sensitivity for Directional Couplers

We present the experimental evidence for the existence of two exciting wavelengths, termed critical and cross-over wavelength in the transmission spectrum of fiber-optic directional coupler, whose properties are conjugate to each other. The spectral shift associated with the transmission maxima/minima suddenly flip around these wavelengths and the spectrum shows largest (nil) spectral shift for the transmission maxima/minima closest to the critical ( at the cross-over) wavelength, corresponding to the same perturbation parameter. A theoretical explanation of the observed experimental behavior has also been presented, highlighting that the underlying mechanisms for the existence of these wavelengths are entirely different. The knowledge of the precise spectral location of these wavelengths is necessary to avoid false alarms.