Abstract
We theoretically analyze and experimentally demonstrate optical bi-stability and multi-stability in an integrated nonlinear high-order microring resonator filter based on high-index contrast doped silica glass. We use a nonlinear model accounting for both the Kerr and thermal effects to analyze the instability behavior of the coupled-resonator based filter. The model also accurately predicts the multi-stable behavior of the filter when the input frequency is slightly detuned. To understand the role of the intracavity power distribution, we investigate the detuning of the individual rings of the filter from the optical response with a pump–probe experiment. Such a measurement is performed scanning the filter with a low-power probe beam tuned a few free spectral ranges away from the resonance where the pump is coupled. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the nonlinear behavior and the intracavity power distribution for the high-order microring resonator filter will help the design and implementation of future all-optical switching systems using this type of filter.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONOptical bistability, addressed initially by the pioneering work of Szöke et al in 1969,1 is a phenomenon that is still of significant interest due to its many applications in ultrafast communications and signal processing. Photonic crystals and micro-cavities are two popular geometries for the implementation of all-optical devices such as switches, logic gates, and memories. These devices utilize the free carrier or Kerr induced nonlinear resonance shift to generate their bi-stable behavior. In general, low switching threshold power, high on/off contrast, and multiple operation states are desired in these devices
Optical bistability, addressed initially by the pioneering work of Szöke et al in 1969,1 is a phenomenon that is still of significant interest due to its many applications in ultrafast communications and signal processing.2–9 Photonic crystals and micro-cavities are two popular geometries for the implementation of all-optical devices such as switches,10 logic gates,11 and memories.12 These devices utilize the free carrier or Kerr induced nonlinear resonance shift to generate their bi-stable behavior.13 In general, low switching threshold power, high on/off contrast, and multiple operation states are desired in these devices.Recently, integrated optical ring micro-cavities fabricated with CMOS compatible platforms such as silicon,14 silicon nitride,15,16 and high-index-contrast doped silica glass17–19 have demonstrated excellent nonlinear optical performance
The fifth-order ring resonator filter device consists of a cascade of five microring resonators comprised of high-index (n = 1.7) doped silica glass core waveguides embedded in the silica cladding layer
Summary
Optical bistability, addressed initially by the pioneering work of Szöke et al in 1969,1 is a phenomenon that is still of significant interest due to its many applications in ultrafast communications and signal processing. Photonic crystals and micro-cavities are two popular geometries for the implementation of all-optical devices such as switches, logic gates, and memories. These devices utilize the free carrier or Kerr induced nonlinear resonance shift to generate their bi-stable behavior. In general, low switching threshold power, high on/off contrast, and multiple operation states are desired in these devices. Integrated optical ring micro-cavities fabricated with CMOS compatible platforms such as silicon, silicon nitride, and high-index-contrast doped silica glass have demonstrated excellent nonlinear optical performance Bistability in these microcavities has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally, based on the Kerr and/or thermo-optical effects, which yield intensity dependent nonlinear responses. Bistability can be triggered at very low power levels in these devices, due to the strong mode confinement, long interaction lengths, and high enhancement of the resonant field.27,28 In this framework, high-order resonator filters consisting of multiple cavities have been explored for optical functions such. Theoretical models that consider both the optical nonlinear Kerr and thermal effects have previously been proposed and investigated, the bistable and, especially, the multi-stable behavior in high-order microresonator filters have not been experimentally demonstrated. We investigate the effects of input frequency detuning on the nonlinear response and derive a method to measure the intracavity power distribution at various stages of the nonlinear operation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
