On the bounds of index tuning in transparent conducting oxides: opinion

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For more than a decade, the linear and nonlinear optical responses of materials and composites exhibiting an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) region have been of keen interest to the community. Among the variety of effects realized, achieving index modulation near unity on the picosecond (or less) timescale has generated the most significant impact. As a long-sought combination of strength and speed, ENZ nonlinearities have reignited interest in nonlinear processes that appear to go beyond the typical perturbative expansion (e.g., non-perturbative) as well as in time-varying nonlinear processes. Here, we aim to take a physical and intuitive look at the nonlinear index modulation in Drude-like ENZ films and highlight the physical limits of tuning. We will focus particularly on their connection (or lack thereof) with non-perturbative effects and time-varying processes and provide our opinions as to the strengths and weaknesses of ENZ films in these areas.