We propose the generation of 3D linear light bullets propagating in free space using a single passive optical surface. The device is a single-layer photonic crystal slab. It can automatically transform an incident conventional Gaussian pulse into a light bullet in the reflection. Our approach also provides simultaneous control of various properties including group velocity, spin, and orbital angular momentum. Our results may advance practical applications of light bullet.
We propose the generation of 3D linear light bullets propagating in free space using a single passive optical surface. The device is a single-layer photonic crystal slab. It can automatically transform an incident conventional Gaussian pulse into a light bullet in the reflection. Our approach also provides simultaneous control of various properties including group velocity, spin, and orbital angular momentum. Our results may advance practical applications of light bullet.
The integration of optical sources in Si photonic transceivers has relied so far on externally coupled III-V laser dies within the assembly. These hybrid approaches are however complex and expensive, as there are additional cost-increasing factors coming from the redundant testing of the pre- and post-coupled laser photonic chips. Further optimization of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) cost and performance can be obtained only with radical technology advancements, such as the “holy grail” of Silicon Photonics; the monolithic integration of III-V sources on Si substrates. MOICANA project funded by EU Horizon 2020 framework targets to develop the technological background for the epitaxy of InP Quantum Dots directly on Si by Selective Area Growth with the best-in-class, in terms of losses and temperature sensitivity, in a CMOS fab, i.e. the SiN waveguide technology. In addition, MOICANA will develop the necessary interface for the seamless light transition between the III-V active and the SiN passive part of the circuitry featuring advanced multiplexing functionality and a combination of efficient and broadband fiber coupling. Through this unique platform, MOICANA aims to demonstrate low cost, inherent cooler-less and energy efficient transmitters, attributes stemming directly from the low loss SiN waveguide technology and the QD nature of the laser’s active region. MOICANA is targeting to exploit the advantages of the monolithic integrated PICs for the demonstration of large volume single-channel and WDM transmitter modules for data center interconnects, 5G mobile fronthaul and coherent communication applications.
Optical degrees of freedom shape the nature of light-matter interaction. In photonic structures, optical degrees of freedom are commonly described by electromagnetic modes. However, because modes only describe the free-oscillations of light in a structure, they properly account for light-matter interaction only if the physics in question stems solely from the structure rather than be driven by a source. This condition is often violated in nanophotonic systems, envisaged to combine nanoscale geometries and compact light sources into unified functional platforms. Therefore, in such nanostructures the source necessarily induces a tangible forced response not described by electromagnetic modes.
Here we experimentally and theoretically explore a new class of optical degrees of freedom that drives the forced response of nanostructures in the presence of sources: Brewster plasmons. We experimentally observe and theoretically prove their existence in a variety of nanostructures, ranging from thin gold films to complex stratified media. We demonstrate with both far-field and near-field measurements that Brewster plasmons exhibit unique nontrivial topological properties compared to standard photonic modes and surface plasmons. These include far-field observable complex fields, exceptional points in which several Brewster plasmons coalesce, and polarization-independent flat-dispersion responses. Moreover, we show that some well-known plasmonic phenomena commonly attributed to surface plasmons actually stem from Brewster plasmon excitations, most notably the Kretschmann reflectance dip and the superlensing effect. Finally, we discuss the future role Brewster plasmons can play in propelling nanophotonics applications, such as in the field of biosensing.
Surface Plasmon polaritons are unique waves propagating on metal interfaces and exhibiting special dispersion
characteristics which include wave slowing (phase velocity) light slowing (group velocity), fast light (negative group
velocity) and even stopped light. Here we track the mechanisms for the light slowing and reversing (backward
propagation) in a plasmonic structure based on a dielectric gap between two metal plates. Three major driving forces -
which are determining the dispersion characteristics were identified and the role of the unique circular light flow in
plasmonic structure is discussed
Slow light characteristics of plasmonics as well as additional characteristics in the nano scale enable very small cavities
of the order of 10-3λ3. Basic mechanisms and several designs exhibiting also enhanced quality and Purcell factors are
described - including whispering gallery mode resonators, photonic band gaps, and nano particles, making such cavities
ideal for ultrasensitive probing and strong matter-light interactions.
Surface plasmon polariton is a coupled electromagnetic wave and material (electron) density wave. This efficient
coupling is the primary means of transforming light to a heavier particle which yields the desired "light slowing". The
dispersion curve of surface plasmonic waves exhibits both wave slowing (phase velocity) and light slowing (group
velocity). We detail the different avenues for light slowing and reversing (backward propagation) in a plasmonic
structure based on a dielectric gap between two metal plates. Light slowing and almost stopping can be achieved as well
as the more intriguing effect of backward propagation, accompanied by negative refraction. These effects in plasmonic
structures can be used for nano virtual cavities (mirrorless cavities) for ultralow volume sensing as well as generating
large local field enhancement.
We propose a point to point quantum channel based on a two-color Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion (SPDC), that may be applied
for a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system to gain better
security. We use one arm of the SPDC (770 nm - optimal for Si
detection) and a Si
counter at Alice's side to count the exact
number of photons in each pulse. Whenever the arm
contains exactly
one photon, the correlated photon (1550nm - optimal for fiber
transmission)
in the other arm is sent via a fiber to Bob. In the experiment we used an Ar^{+} laser of
514.5nm wavelength
and a BBO crystal to produce type-I photon pairs. We measured the spectrum of the SPDC and resolved specifically the 770 nm
wavelength. The rate of correlated
pairs (at 890-1050 nm) from our
SPDC source was compared to a non-correlated source. We
further
developed an InGaAs single photon detector based on Geiger mode
APD and achieved 10%
quantum efficiency and 5 * 10^{-3} dark
counts per 20nsec pulse at a temperature of -35
degrees Celsius.
We already discussed the bistable behavior of a Fabry Perot resonator filled with molecular media as well as the characteristics of a spatial light modulator (SLM) based on the nonlinearity induced by excited state absorption. In the present paper we present two practical configurations. First we analyze a cavity-less bistable element which removes some of the realization problems related to high finess cavity. In this configuration the nonlinear medium is located in one arm of an optical interferometer. The scheme provides the required amount of positive feedback by the bistable mechanism -- but without a cavity. We applied the nonlinear eikonal approximation, a method which takes care of the detailed propagation effects, and obtained conditions for bistability, as well as optimizing the design parameters such as the output mirror reflectivity, etc.
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