Fabrication-friendly subwavelength-structure-assisted waveguide for dispersion engineering.

Abstract

A subwavelength structure deposited on top of a silicon strip is utilized as a novel tool for dispersion engineering. The equivalent refractive index of the subwavelength structure can be tailored through adjusting its period and duty cycle. As finding suitable materials with both appropriate refractive index and fabrication compatibility is one of the main difficulties in dispersion engineering, the possibility of refractive index engineering is the most significant advantage of the proposed waveguide. It can be beneficial for controlling the properties of the fundamental quasi-TM mode and consequently its dispersion characteristics without any concern about material compatibility. Utilizing this waveguide geometry, a wide and flattened low-dispersion bandwidth can be achieved. Moreover, high anomalous and normal dispersion is realizable without any degradation in dispersion flatness over bandwidth. Therefore, the proposed waveguide structure is promising for dispersion tailoring in both linear and nonlinear applications.