Optimized nonlinear SOI slot optical waveguides

Abstract

Nonlinear-optic (NLO) effects provide many device functions such as wavelength conversion and signal processing. The use of waveguides allows the implementation of efficient and compact devices. The importance of exploring nonlinear effects in Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) slot optical waveguides is discernible from the facts that, it is CMOS technology compatible, thus ensuring low-cost large-scale integration, moreover, this structure of optical waveguides mingle the advantages of both silicon and silica to explore the promising nonlinear interactions of light in the waveguides, such as rare-earth material doping to provide optical gain. In current research work, we have optimized nonlinear parameter (γ) of the basic SOI slot optical waveguide by reducing the effective area (Aeff). The effective area has been reduced by using Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) type cladding; where enough evidence is available that, SOI slot optical waveguide can be fabricated in a PCF type cladding. Wavelength dependent propagation constant values of slot optical waveguide are dominant over the band-gap effect (in case of PCF type cladding). Novelty lies in reducing the effective area (Aeff) by a considerable amount, with respect to already established results. The results, besides opening further venues for researchers to find out nonlinear optimization techniques of slot optical waveguide structures can also help in enhancing lab on chip circuits, where in-built optical source is mandatory.