Linear and nonlinear Zeno effects in an optical coupler

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 an optical analog of the linear and nonlinear quantum Zeno effects. The phenomenon consists in a counterintuitive enhancement of transparency of the coupler with an increase of the dissipation and represents an optical analog of the quantum Zeno effect. Experimental realization of the phenomenon based on the use of chalcogenide glasses is proposed. The system allows for observation of the crossover between the linear and nonlinear Zeno effects, as well as the effective manipulation of light transmission through the coupler.