Enhancement of nonlinear effects using photonic crystals.
TL;DR: If all-optical devices using photonic crystal designs promise to be smaller than the wavelength of light, and to operate with bandwidths that are very difficult to achieve electronically, operation at single-photon power levels could be feasible.
Abstract: The quest for all-optical signal processing is generally deemed to be impractical because optical nonlinearities are usually weak. The emerging field of nonlinear photonic crystals seems destined to change this view dramatically. Theoretical considerations show that all-optical devices using photonic crystal designs promise to be smaller than the wavelength of light, and to operate with bandwidths that are very difficult to achieve electronically. When created in commonly used materials, these devices could operate at powers of only a few milliwatts. Moreover, if these designs are combined with materials and systems that support electromagnetically induced transparency, operation at single-photon power levels could be feasible.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the concept of Fano resonances, which can be reduced to the interaction of a discrete (localized) state with a continuum of propagation modes, and explain their geometrical and/or dynamical origin.
Abstract: Modern nanotechnology allows one to scale down various important devices (sensors, chips, fibers, etc.) and thus opens up new horizons for their applications. The efficiency of most of them is based on fundamental physical phenomena, such as transport of wave excitations and resonances. Short propagation distances make phase-coherent processes of waves important. Often the scattering of waves involves propagation along different paths and, as a consequence, results in interference phenomena, where constructive interference corresponds to resonant enhancement and destructive interference to resonant suppression of the transmission. Recently, a variety of experimental and theoretical work has revealed such patterns in different physical settings. The purpose of this review is to relate resonant scattering to Fano resonances, known from atomic physics. One of the main features of the Fano resonance is its asymmetric line profile. The asymmetry originates from a close coexistence of resonant transmission and resonant reflection and can be reduced to the interaction of a discrete (localized) state with a continuum of propagation modes. The basic concepts of Fano resonances are introduced, their geometrical and/or dynamical origin are explained, and theoretical and experimental studies of light propagation in photonic devices, charge transport through quantum dots, plasmon scattering in Josephson-junction networks, and matter-wave scattering in ultracold atom systems, among others are reviewed.
2,520 citations
Cites background from "Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..."
...One of the great advantages in using nonlinear photonic-crystal cavities is the enhancement of nonlinear optical processes, including nonlinear Fano resonance (Bravo-Abad et al., 2007; Soljacic and Joannopoulos, 2004)....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that plasmons in doped graphene simultaneously enable low-loss and significant wave localization for frequencies below that of the optical phonon branch hbar omega{;Oph};\approx 0.2 eV.
Abstract: We point out that plasmons in doped graphene simultaneously enable low-losses and significant wave localization for frequencies below that of the optical phonon branch hbar omega_{;Oph};\approx 0.2 eV. Large plasmon losses occur in the interband regime (via excitation of electron-hole pairs), which can be pushed towards higher frequencies for higher doping values. For sufficiently large dopings, there is a bandwidth of frequencies from omega_{;Oph}; up to the interband threshold, where a plasmon decay channel via emission of an optical phonon together with an electron-hole pair is nonegligible. The calculation of losses is performed within the framework of a random-phase approximation and number conserving relaxation-time approximation. The measured DC relaxation-time serves as an input parameter characterizing collisions with impurities, whereas the contribution from optical phonons is estimated from the influence of the electron-phonon coupling on the optical conductivity. Optical properties of plasmons in graphene are in many relevant aspects similar to optical properties of surface plasmons propagating on dielectric-metal interface, which have been drawing a lot of interest lately because of their importance for nanophotonics. Therefore, the fact that plasmons in graphene could have low losses for certain frequencies makes them potentially interesting for nanophotonic applications.
1,983 citations
Cites background from "Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..."
...This is of interest for possible implementation of novel nonlinear optical devices in graphene, since it is known that small group velocities can lead to savings in both the device length and the operational power [40]; the latter would also be reduced because of the large transversal field localization of the plasmon modes....
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TL;DR: In this article, the background theory of slow light, as well as an overview of recent experimental demonstrations based on photonic-band engineering are reviewed, and practical issues related to real devices and their applications are also discussed.
Abstract: Slow light with a remarkably low group velocity is a promising solution for buffering and time-domain processing of optical signals. It also offers the possibility for spatial compression of optical energy and the enhancement of linear and nonlinear optical effects. Photonic-crystal devices are especially attractive for generating slow light, as they are compatible with on-chip integration and room-temperature operation, and can offer wide-bandwidth and dispersion-free propagation. Here the background theory, recent experimental demonstrations and progress towards tunable slow-light structures based on photonic-band engineering are reviewed. Practical issues related to real devices and their applications are also discussed. The unique properties of wide-bandwidth and dispersion-free propagation in photonic-crystal devices have made them a good candidate for slow-light generation. This article gives the background theory of slow light, as well as an overview of recent experimental demonstrations based on photonic-band engineering.
1,797 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the progress so far in obtaining true quantum-optical strong coupling effects in semiconductors is reviewed and a nonlinear test for the true quantum limit is proposed.
Abstract: The recent development of techniques to produce optical semiconductor cavities of very high quality has prepared the stage for observing cavity quantum-electrodynamic effects in solid-state materials. Among the most promising systems for these studies are semiconductor quantum dots inside photonic crystal, micropillar or microdisk resonators. We review the progress so far in obtaining true quantum-optical strong-coupling effects in semiconductors. We discuss the recent results on vacuum Rabi splitting with a single quantum dot, emphasizing the differences from quantum-well systems. Finally, we propose nonlinear tests for the true quantum limit and speculate about applications in quantum information devices.
852 citations
Cites background from "Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..."
...Second photon effects In a true strong-coupling system, nonlinear optics occurs with only two photon...
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TL;DR: It is shown here that a linear, broadband and non-reciprocal isolation can be accomplished by spatial–temporal refractive index modulations that simultaneously impart frequency and wavevector shifts during the photonic transition process.
Abstract: Achieving on-chip optical signal isolation is a fundamental difficulty in integrated photonics1. The need to overcome this difficulty is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with the emergence of silicon nano-photonics2,3,4, which promises to create on-chip optical systems at an unprecedented scale of integration. Until now, there have been no techniques that provide complete on-chip signal isolation using materials or processes that are fundamentally compatible with silicon CMOS processes. Based on the effects of photonic transitions5,6, we show here that a linear, broadband and non-reciprocal isolation can be accomplished by spatial–temporal refractive index modulations that simultaneously impart frequency and wavevector shifts during the photonic transition process. We further show that a non-reciprocal effect can be accomplished in dynamically modulated micrometre-scale ring-resonator structures. This work demonstrates that on-chip isolation can be accomplished with dynamic photonic structures in standard material systems that are widely used for integrated optoelectronic applications. The realization of a chip-based, broadband optical isolator is of considerable interest for integrated photonics. To date, no technique has been shown to be able to do this using materials and processes that are CMOS-compatible. Now, scientists propose that the use of direction-dependent photonic mode transitions in silicon nanophotonic structures could be the solution.
794 citations
Cites background from "Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..."
...The system as shown in Fig. 1a exhibits strong non-reciprocal behaviour—the modulation in equation ( 1 ) does not phase-match the mode at (v1, 2k1) with any other mode of the system....
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...Such non-reciprocity arises from the breaking of both time-reversal and spatial-inversion symmetries in the dynamics—the modulation in equation ( 1 ) is not invariant with either t ! 2t or z ! 2z....
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References
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TL;DR: If a three-dimensionally periodic dielectric structure has an electromagnetic band gap which overlaps the electronic band edge, then spontaneous emission can be rigorously forbidden.
Abstract: It has been recognized for some time that the spontaneous emission by atoms is not necessarily a fixed and immutable property of the coupling between matter and space, but that it can be controlled by modification of the properties of the radiation field. This is equally true in the solid state, where spontaneous emission plays a fundamental role in limiting the performance of semiconductor lasers, heterojunction bipolar transistors, and solar cells. If a three-dimensionally periodic dielectric structure has an electromagnetic band gap which overlaps the electronic band edge, then spontaneous emission can be rigorously forbidden.
12,787 citations
"Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..." refers background in this paper
...In the quest for the optimal solution, photonic crystal...
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Book•
31 May 1995
TL;DR: This paper presents background history of space-grid time-domain techniques for Maxwell's equations scaling to very large problem sizes defense applications dual-use electromagnetics technology, and the proposed three-dimensional Yee algorithm for solving these equations.
Abstract: Part 1 Reinventing electromagnetics: background history of space-grid time-domain techniques for Maxwell's equations scaling to very large problem sizes defense applications dual-use electromagnetics technology. Part 2 The one-dimensional scalar wave equation: propagating wave solutions finite-difference approximation of the scalar wave equation dispersion relations for the one-dimensional wave equation numerical group velocity numerical stability. Part 3 Introduction to Maxwell's equations and the Yee algorithm: Maxwell's equations in three dimensions reduction to two dimensions equivalence to the wave equation in one dimension. Part 4 Numerical stability: TM mode time eigenvalue problem space eigenvalue problem extension to the full three-dimensional Yee algorithm. Part 5 Numerical dispersion: comparison with the ideal dispersion case reduction to the ideal dispersion case for special grid conditions dispersion-optimized basic Yee algorithm dispersion-optimized Yee algorithm with fourth-order accurate spatial differences. Part 6 Incident wave source conditions for free space and waveguides: requirements for the plane wave source condition the hard source total-field/scattered field formulation pure scattered field formulation choice of incident plane wave formulation. Part 7 Absorbing boundary conditions for free space and waveguides: Bayliss-Turkel scattered-wave annihilating operators Engquist-Majda one-way wave equations Higdon operator Liao extrapolation Mei-Fang superabsorption Berenger perfectly-matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary conditions for waveguides. Part 8 Near-to-far field transformation: obtaining phasor quantities via discrete fourier transformation surface equivalence theorem extension to three dimensions phasor domain. Part 9 Dispersive, nonlinear, and gain materials: linear isotropic case recursive convolution method linear gyrontropic case linear isotropic case auxiliary differential equation method, Lorentz gain media. Part 10 Local subcell models of the fine geometrical features: basis of contour-path FD-TD modelling the simplest contour-path subcell models the thin wire conformal modelling of curved surfaces the thin material sheet relativistic motion of PEC boundaries. Part 11 Explicit time-domain solution of Maxwell's equations using non-orthogonal and unstructured grids, Stephen Gedney and Faiza Lansing: nonuniform, orthogonal grids globally orthogonal global curvilinear co-ordinates irregular non-orthogonal unstructured grids analysis of printed circuit devices using the planar generalized Yee algorithm. Part 12 The body of revolution FD-TD algorithm, Thomas Jurgens and Gregory Saewert: field expansion difference equations for on-axis cells numerical stability PML absorbing boundary condition. Part 13 Modelling of electromagnetic fields in high-speed electronic circuits, Piket-May and Taflove. (part contents).
11,194 citations
Additional excerpts
...There are many powerful numerical tools available for modelling such systems, but one in particular deserves a special mention: finite-difference time domain (FDTD) calculations (for a review, see ref...
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TL;DR: A new mechanism for strong Anderson localization of photons in carefully prepared disordered dielectric superlattices with an everywhere real positive dielectrics constant is described.
Abstract: A new mechanism for strong Anderson localization of photons in carefully prepared disordered dielectric superlattices with an everywhere real positive dielectric constant is described. In three dimensions, two photon mobility edges separate high- and low-frequency extended states from an intermediate-frequency pseudogap of localized states arising from remnant geometric Bragg resonances. Experimentally observable consequences are discussed.
9,067 citations
"Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..." refers background in this paper
...In the quest for the optimal solution, photonic crystal...
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Book•
03 Jul 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed the theoretical tools of photonics using principles of linear algebra and symmetry, emphasizing analogies with traditional solid-state physics and quantum theory, and investigated the unique phenomena that take place within photonic crystals at defect sites and surfaces, from one to three dimensions.
Abstract: Since it was first published in 1995, Photonic Crystals has remained the definitive text for both undergraduates and researchers on photonic band-gap materials and their use in controlling the propagation of light. This newly expanded and revised edition covers the latest developments in the field, providing the most up-to-date, concise, and comprehensive book available on these novel materials and their applications. Starting from Maxwell's equations and Fourier analysis, the authors develop the theoretical tools of photonics using principles of linear algebra and symmetry, emphasizing analogies with traditional solid-state physics and quantum theory. They then investigate the unique phenomena that take place within photonic crystals at defect sites and surfaces, from one to three dimensions. This new edition includes entirely new chapters describing important hybrid structures that use band gaps or periodicity only in some directions: periodic waveguides, photonic-crystal slabs, and photonic-crystal fibers. The authors demonstrate how the capabilities of photonic crystals to localize light can be put to work in devices such as filters and splitters. A new appendix provides an overview of computational methods for electromagnetism. Existing chapters have been considerably updated and expanded to include many new three-dimensional photonic crystals, an extensive tutorial on device design using temporal coupled-mode theory, discussions of diffraction and refraction at crystal interfaces, and more. Richly illustrated and accessibly written, Photonic Crystals is an indispensable resource for students and researchers.Extensively revised and expanded Features improved graphics throughout Includes new chapters on photonic-crystal fibers and combined index-and band-gap-guiding Provides an introduction to coupled-mode theory as a powerful tool for device design Covers many new topics, including omnidirectional reflection, anomalous refraction and diffraction, computational photonics, and much more.
8,188 citations
Book•
15 Aug 1991TL;DR: The Fundamentals of Photonics, Third Edition as discussed by the authors is a self-contained and up-to-date introductory-level textbook that thoroughly surveys this rapidly expanding area of engineering and applied physics.
Abstract: Fundamentals of Photonics A complete, thoroughly updated, full-color third edition Fundamentals of Photonics, Third Edition is a self-contained and up-to-date introductory-level textbook that thoroughly surveys this rapidly expanding area of engineering and applied physics. Featuring a blend of theory and applications, coverage includes detailed accounts of the primary theories of light, including ray optics, wave optics, electromagnetic optics, and photon optics, as well as the interaction of light and matter. Presented at increasing levels of complexity, preliminary sections build toward more advanced topics, such as Fourier optics and holography, photonic-crystal optics, guided-wave and fiber optics, LEDs and lasers, acousto-optic and electro-optic devices, nonlinear optical devices, ultrafast optics, optical interconnects and switches, and optical fiber communications. The third edition features an entirely new chapter on the optics of metals and plasmonic devices. Each chapter contains highlighted equations, exercises, problems, summaries, and selected reading lists. Examples of real systems are included to emphasize the concepts governing applications of current interest. Each of the twenty-four chapters of the second edition has been thoroughly updated.
4,992 citations
"Enhancement of nonlinear effects us..." refers background in this paper
...Optical bistability in photonic crystal microcavities Optical bistability is a fairly general phenomenon that occurs in many nonlinear systems with feedbac...
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