Fiber Taper Waveguide Research Articles

Generation of distributed steady entangled state between two solid-state spins

The generation of distributed entangled states among solid-state spins is key to the development of large-scale quantum networks and quantum computation. We propose a dissipative scheme for generating stable entanglement between the electron-spin states of two separated nitrogen-vacancy centers, each coupled to a microtoroidal resonator and separated in space. An optical fiber-taper waveguide links the two microtoroidal resonators. Numerical simulations show that spontaneous emission from the NV centers and the collective decay of delocalized field modes can act as effective resources to generate stationary singlet-like states without the need for initialization and precise control of the evolution of the system over time. Results indicate that the proposed scheme can reach high-fidelity and purity of states, and is resilient against small parameter fluctuations. We also discuss how the pure spin dephasing that arises from longitudinal magnetic-near-field noise affects the fidelity of the target state.

Highly Efficient Optical Add-Drop Filter With an Angle-Polished Fiber Coupler

Microbubble whispering-gallery resonators have shown great promise in fiber-optic communications because of their low confinement loss and hollow cores, which allow for facile stress-based tunability. Usually, the transmission spectrum of taper-coupled microbubbles contains closely spaced modes due to the relatively large radii and oblate geometry of microbubbles. In this letter, we develop an optical add-drop filter using a microbubble coupled to fiber taper and angle-polished fiber waveguides. Because of the extra degree of freedom in the angle of its polish surface, the angle-polished fiber can be used for the discriminatory excitation of certain radial-order modes in the optical microcavity, reducing the high modal density and enhancing add-drop selectivity. Our robust and tunable add-drop filter demonstrated a drop efficiency of 85.9% and quality factor of 2 x 10^7, corresponding to a linewidth of 9.68 MHz. As a proof of concept, the drop frequency was tuned using internal aerostatic pressure at a rate of 7.3 +/- 0.2 GHz/bar with no diminishing effects on the add-drop filter performance.

Controlling slow and fast light and dynamic pulse-splitting with tunable optical gain in a whispering-gallery-mode microcavity

We report controllable manipulation of slow and fast light in a whispering-gallery-mode microtoroid resonator fabricated from Erbium (Er3+) doped silica. We observe continuous transition of the coupling between the fiber-taper waveguide and the microresonator from undercoupling to critical coupling and then to overcoupling regimes by increasing the pump power even though the spatial distance between the resonator and the waveguide was kept fixed. This, in turn, enables switching from fast to slow light and vice versa just by increasing the optical gain. An enhancement of delay of two-fold over the passive silica resonator (no optical gain) was observed in the slow light regime. Moreover, we show dynamic pulse splitting and its control in slow/fast light systems using optical gain.

Dissipative preparation of entangled states between two spatially separated nitrogen-vacancy centers

We present a novel scheme for the generation of entangled states of two spatially separated nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers with two whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microresonators, which are coupled either by an optical fiber-taper waveguide, or by the evanescent fields of the WGM. We show that, the steady state of the two NV centers can be steered into a singlet-like state through a dissipative quantum dynamical process, where the cavity decay plays a positive role and can help drive the system to the target state. The protocol may open up promising perspectives for quantum communications and computations with this solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamic system.

Efficient quantum dot single photon extraction into an optical fiber using a nanophotonic directional coupler

We demonstrate a spectrally broadband and efficient technique for collecting emission from a single InAs quantum dot directly into a standard single mode optical fiber. In this approach, an optical fiber taper waveguide is placed in contact with a suspended GaAs nanophotonic waveguide with embedded quantum dots, forming a broadband directional coupler with standard optical fiber input and output. Efficient photoluminescence collection over a wavelength range of tens of nanometers is demonstrated, and a maximum collection efficiency of 6% (corresponding single photon rate of 3.0 MHz) into a single mode optical fiber is estimated for a single quantum dot exciton.

Ultra-low power fiber-coupled gallium arsenide photonic crystal cavity electro-optic modulator

We demonstrate a gallium arsenide photonic crystal cavity injection-based electro-optic modulator coupled to a fiber taper waveguide. The fiber taper serves as a convenient and tunable waveguide for cavity coupling with minimal loss. Localized electrical injection of carriers into the cavity region via a laterally doped p-i-n diode combined with the small mode volume of the cavity enable ultra-low energy modulation at sub-fJ/bit levels. Speeds of up to 1 GHz are demonstrated with photoluminescence lifetime measurements revealing that the ultimate limit goes well into the tens of GHz.

Fiber-based cryogenic and time-resolved spectroscopy of PbS quantum dots

PbS quantum dots are promising active emitters for use with high-quality Si nanophotonic devices in the telecommunications-band. Measurements of low quantum dot densities are limited both because of low fluorescence levels and the challenges of single photon detection at these wavelengths. Here, we report on methods using a fiber taper waveguide to efficiently extract PbS quantum dot photoluminescence. Temperature dependent ensemble measurements reveal an increase in emitted photons concomitant with an increase in excited-state lifetime from 58.9 ns at 293 K to 657 ns at 40 K. Measurements are also performed on quantum dots on high-Q (>10(5)) microdisks using cavity-resonant, pulsed excitation.

Experimental observation of Fano resonance in a single whispering-gallery microresonator

We experimentally observe Fano resonance in a single silica toroidal microresonator, in which two whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) are excited simultaneously through a fiber taper. By adjusting the fiber-cavity coupling strength and the polarization of incident light, the Fano-like resonance line shape can be engineered and further convert to the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) like line shape. Our theoretical analysis reveals that both the Fano and EIT resonances originate from an indirect-coupling of two originally orthogonal WGMs, which is mediated by the common fiber taper waveguide. The sharp Fano line shape holds great potential in optical switching and sensitivity-enhanced biochemical sensing.

Hybrid gap modes induced by fiber taper waveguides: Application in spectroscopy of single solid-state emitters deposited on thin films

We show, via simulations, that an optical fiber taper waveguide can be an efficient tool for photoluminescence and resonant, extinction spectroscopy of single emitters, such as molecules or colloidal quantum dots, deposited on the surface of a thin dielectric membrane. Placed over a high refractive index membrane, a tapered fiber waveguide induces the formation of hybrid mode waves, akin to dielectric slotted waveguide modes, that provide strong field confinement in the low index gap region. The availability of such gap-confined waves yields potentially high spontaneous emission enhancement factors (approximately 20), fluorescence collection efficiencies (approximately 23%), and transmission extinction (approximately 20%) levels. A factor of two improvement in fluorescence and extinction levels is predicted if the membrane is instead replaced with a suspended channel waveguide. Two configurations, for operation in the visible (approximately 600 nm) and near-infrared (approximately 1300 nm) spectral ranges are evaluated, presenting similar performances.

Spectroscopy of 1.55μm PbS quantum dots on Si photonic crystal cavities with a fiber taper waveguide

We use an optical fiber taper waveguide to probe PbS quantum dots (QDs) dried on Si photonic crystal cavities near 1.55μm. We demonstrate that a low density (≲100 μm−2) of QDs does not significantly degrade cavity quality factors as high as ≈3×104. We also show that the tapered fiber can be used to excite the QDs and collect the subsequent cavity-filtered photoluminescence, and present measurements of reversible photodarkening and QD saturation. This method represents an important step toward spectroscopy of single colloidal QDs in the telecommunications band.

Efficient spectroscopy of single embedded emitters using optical fiber taper waveguides

A technique based on using optical fiber taper waveguides for probing single emitters embedded in thin dielectric membranes is assessed through numerical simulations. For an appropriate membrane geometry, photoluminescence collection efficiencies in excess of 10% are predicted, exceeding the efficiency of standard free-space collection by an order of magnitude. Our results indicate that these fiber taper waveguides offer excellent prospects for performing efficient spectroscopy of single emitters embedded in thin films, such as a single self-assembled quantum dot in a semiconductor membrane.

Coupling Whispering-Gallery-Mode Microcavities With Modal Coupling Mechanism

We theoretically describe and study coupling between two whispering-gallery-mode microcavities through a side coupled fiber taper. The two microcavities can couple to each other bidirectionally with only one fiber taper waveguide due to the modal coupling between a pair of whispering-gallery modes traveling in opposite directions. By choosing appropriate physical parameters, some interesting spectra, such as electromagnetically-induced transparency-like coherent transmission and band-like reflection, can be obtained in such a system. Slow light is discussed in this paper as a direct application of the coupled microresonator structure. This structure also has potential application in coupled cavity quantum electrodynamics.

Investigations of a coherently driven semiconductor optical cavity QED system

Chip-based cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) devices consisting of a self-assembled InAs quantum dot (QD) coupled to a high quality factor GaAs microdisk cavity are coherently probed through their optical channel using a fiber taper waveguide. We highlight one particularly important aspect of this all-fiber measurement setup, which is the accuracy to which the optical coupling level and optical losses are known relative to typical free-space excitation techniques. This allows for precise knowledge of the intracavity photon number and measurement of absolute transmitted and reflected signals. Resonant optical spectroscopy of the system under both weak and strong driving conditions are presented, which when compared with a quantum master equation model of the system allows for determination of the coherent coupling rate between QD exciton and optical cavity mode, the different levels of elastic and inelastic dephasing of the exciton state, and the position and orientation of the QD within the cavity. Pump-probe measurements are also performed in which a far off-resonant red-detuned control laser beam is introduced into the cavity. Rather than producing a measurable ac Stark shift in the exciton line of the QD, we find that this control beam induces a saturation of the resonant system response. The broad photoluminescence spectrum resulting from the presence of the control beam in the cavity points to sub-band-gap absorption in the semiconductor, and the resulting free-carrier generation, as the likely source of system saturation.

Single quantum dot spectroscopy using a fiber taper waveguide near-field optic

Photoluminescence spectroscopy of single InAs quantum dots at cryogenic temperatures (∼14K) is performed using a micron-scale optical fiber taper waveguide as a near-field optic. A lower bound on the measured collection efficiency of quantum dot spontaneous emission into the fundamental guided mode of the fiber taper is estimated at 0.1%, and spatially resolved measurements with ∼600nm resolution are obtained by varying the taper position with respect to the sample and using the fiber taper for both the pump and collection channels.

Optical fiber taper coupling and high-resolution wavelength tuning of microdisk resonators at cryogenic temperatures

A system for studying microcavity resonators at cryogenic temperatures (∼10K) through evanescent coupling via optical fiber taper waveguides is reported, and efficient fiber coupling to AlGaAs microdisk cavities with embedded quantum dots is demonstrated. As an immediate application of this tool, the authors study high-resolution tuning of microdisk cavities through nitrogen gas adsorption, as first discussed by Mosor et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 141105 (2005)]. By proper regulation of the nitrogen gas flow and delivery of the gas to the sample surface, continuous tuning can be achieved with modest gas flows, and overall wavelength shifts as large as 4nm are achieved.

Cavity Q, mode volume, and lasing threshold in small diameter AlGaAs microdisks with embedded quantum dots

The quality factor (Q), mode volume (V(eff)), and room-temperature lasing threshold of microdisk cavities with embedded quantum dots (QDs) are investigated. Finite element method simulations of standing wave modes within the microdisk reveal that Veff can be as small as 2(lambda/n)(3) while maintaining radiation-limited Qs in excess of 10(5). Microdisks of diameter 2 microm are fabricated in an AlGaAs material containing a single layer of InAs QDs with peak emission at lambda = 1317 nm. For devices with V(eff) ~2 (lambda/n)(3), Qs as high as 1.2x10(5) are measured passively in the 1.4 microm band, using an optical fiber taper waveguide. Optical pumping yields laser emission in the 1.3 microm band, with room temperature, continuous-wave thresholds as low as 1 microW of absorbed pump power. Out-coupling of the laser emission is also shown to be significantly enhanced through the use of optical fiber tapers, with laser differential efficiency as high as xi ~ 16% and out-coupling efficiency in excess of 28%.

Photoluminescence measurements of quantum-dot-containing semiconductor microdisk resonators using optical fiber taper waveguides

Fiber taper waveguides are used to improve the efficiency of room temperature photoluminescence measurements of AlGaAs microdisk resonant cavities with embedded self-assembled InAs quantum dots. As a near-field collection optic, the fiber taper improves the collection efficiency from microdisk lasers by a factor of ~ 15-100 times in comparison to conventional normal incidence free-space collection techniques. In addition, the fiber taper can serve as a efficient means for pumping these devices, and initial measurements employing fiber pumping and collection are presented. Implications of this work towards chip-based cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments are discussed.

Rayleigh scattering, mode coupling, and optical loss in silicon microdisks

High refractive index contrast optical microdisk resonators fabricated from silicon-on-insulator wafers are studied using an external silica fiber taper waveguide as a wafer-scale optical probe. Measurements performed in the 1500nm wavelength band show that these silicon microdisks can support whispering-gallery modes with quality factors as high as 5.2×105, limited by Rayleigh scattering from fabrication induced surface roughness. Microdisks with radii as small as 2.5μm are studied, with measured quality factors as high as 4.7×105 for an optical mode volume of 5.3(λ∕n)3.

Probing the dispersive and spatial properties of photonic crystal waveguides via highly efficient coupling from fiber tapers

The demonstration of an optical fiber based probe for efficiently exciting the waveguide modes of high-index contrast planar photonic crystal (PC) slabs is presented. Fiber taper waveguides formed from standard silica single-mode optical fibers are used to evanescently couple light into the guided modes of a patterned silicon membrane. A coupling efficiency of ∼95% is obtained between the fiber taper and a PC waveguide mode suitably designed for integration with a previously studied ultrasmall mode volume high-QPC resonant cavity [Srinivasan et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 83, 1915 (2003)]. The micron-scale lateral extent and dispersion of the fiber taper is used as a near-field spatial and spectral probe to study the profile and dispersion of PC waveguide modes.

Ultralow loss, high Q, four port resonant couplers for quantum optics and photonics.

We demonstrate a low-loss, optical four port resonant coupler (add-drop geometry), using ultrahigh Q (>10(8)) toroidal microcavities. Different regimes of operation are investigated by variation of coupling between resonator and fiber taper waveguides. As a result, waveguide-to-waveguide power transfer efficiency of 93% (0.3 dB loss) and nonresonant insertion loss of 0.02% (<0.001 dB) for narrow bandwidth (57 MHz) four port couplers are achieved in this work. The combination of low-loss, fiber compatibility, and wafer-scale design would be suitable for a variety of applications ranging from quantum optics to photonic networks.