Planar Waveguide Research Articles

Design optimisation of rare earth metal doped polymer optical planar waveguide sensor for microplastics detection in water

Design optimisation of rare earth metal doped polymer optical planar waveguide sensor for microplastics detection in water

Direct and inverse scattering in an optical waveguide*

Abstract In this paper, we study the direct and inverse scattering of the Schrödinger equation in a three-dimensional optical planar waveguide. For the direct problem, we derive a resonance-free region and resolvent estimates for the resolvent of the Schrödinger operator in such a geometry. Based on the analysis of the resolvent, several inverse problems are investigated. First, given the potential function, we prove the uniqueness of the inverse source problem with multi-frequency data. We also develop a Fourier-based method to reconstruct the source function. The capability of this method is numerically illustrated by examples. Second, the uniqueness and increased stability of an inverse potential problem from data generated by incident waves are achieved in the absence of the source function. To derive the stability estimate, we use an argument of quantitative analytic continuation in complex theory. Third, we prove the uniqueness of simultaneously determining the source and potential by active boundary data generated by incident waves. In these inverse problems, we only use the limited lateral Dirichlet boundary data at multiple wavenumbers within a finite interval.

Analysis of guided and leaky modes of planar optical waveguides using transparent boundary conditions

We present a numerical approach to compute and characterize both guided and leaky modes in a multilayer planar optical waveguide made of any lossy and dispersive materials. Usually, in numerical calculations based on finite element methods, perfectly matched layers (PMLs) are used to truncate the unbounded substrate and cover layers. However, it is difficult to make such PMLs transparent for both guided and leaky modes at the same time, and often, different or even contradictory PML parameters are required for these two types of modes. In contrast, the transparent boundary conditions (TBCs) that we use in this work can terminate the unbounded waveguide and, simultaneously, provide perfect transparency for the modes. In addition, this type of boundary condition does not contaminate the solutions with non-existent modes, such as PML modes. More importantly, the TBC approach yields the nonlinear eigenvalue solutions that can be intrinsically mapped to the parameter space of transverse wavenumbers in the claddings. This allows us to uniquely determine the power flow properties of all the calculated modes. A finite element Python package is developed to treat a variety of planar waveguides in a robust and systematic way.

Second order triple band waveguide band-pass filter with adjustable centre frequency and 3-dB bandwidth

ABSTRACT This paper presents, a novel and simple resonator structure based second order triple band waveguide band-pass filter with adjustable centre frequency and 3-dB bandwidth. The planar insert consists of a circular shape etched part in which three stubs is placed. Three asymmetrical stub length and width are used to control three resonant frequency and 3-dB bandwidth independently. The insert is placed into the transverse plane of the WR-90 waveguide. To achieve second order band-pass filter response two symmetrical resonators is placed at an optimised distance of 8.99 mm. Simulation and optimisation analysis of the proposed filter is carried-out using CST Studio Suite (v23). To validate the 3D model, planar insert and WR-90 waveguide are fabricated individually and inserted manually. The measured results shows triple band bandpass filter characteristics having centre frequencies f 01 = 8.44 GHz, f 02 = 9.98 GHz and f 03 = 11.51 GHz with 3-dB bandwidth of 0.78, 0.12 and 0.3 GHz. The insertion loss of the measured filter is 0.35, 0.8 and 0.55 dB. The in band return loss of the proposed filter are better than 12 dB.

Suppression of the Petermann noise factor in a chiral optical mode converter without encircling an exceptional point

The engineering of exceptional points (EP) in gain-loss-assisted optical systems has recently garnered considerable attention for the development of unconventional photonic components. Moreover, the substantial noise associated with EPs poses a significant challenge to realizing their full potential in applications. There is a gap in the exploration of asymmetric mode conversion phenomena in the close proximity of the dynamical encirclement around an EP. In response, we propose the design of a fabrication-feasible dual-mode optical planar waveguide. Non-Hermiticity, in terms of a customized gain-loss profile, is introduced to modulate the interaction between the coupled modes. Contrary to previous assumptions, we establish that the dynamical encirclement of an EP is not a prerequisite for achieving asymmetric mode conversion. Furthermore, we calculate the Petermann factor (K) near the EP and demonstrate a significant two orders of magnitude reduction in the Petermann noise factor when we do not dynamically encircle the EP. Hence, we propose a new scheme to reduce the inherent noise.

Planar waveguide to vertical mode couplers covering the visible to IR spectral range

Planar 45o turning mirrors with metal coating embedded in SU8 polymer waveguides enable waveguide to vertical mode coupling across a broad range of wavelengths from the visible to IR. The fabrication of these 2.5D structures is achieved using relatively simple grayscale lithography in thin film resists, compatible with standard planar lithography methods. Mirror losses of <1 dB are measured from 516 -1630 nm, and direct coupling to single mode fibre is achieved.

Low-loss and low-temperature Al2O3 thin films for integrated photonics and optical coatings

Amorphous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is a key material in optical coatings due to its notable properties, including a broad transparency window (ultraviolet to mid-infrared) and excellent durability. Moreover, its higher refractive index contrast relative to silica cladding layers and high solubility of rare-earth ions make it well suited for optical waveguides and the development of various functionalities in integrated photonics. In many coatings and integrated photonics applications, the substrates are temperature and stress sensitive, while relatively thick (∼1 μm) alumina layers are required; thus, it is crucial to fabricate low optical loss alumina thin films at low deposition temperatures, while maintaining high deposition rates. In this study, plasma-assisted reactive magnetron sputtering, operated in an alternating current mode, is investigated as a reliable, straightforward, and wafer-scale compatible technique for the deposition of high optical quality and uniform Al2O3 thin films at low temperature. One-micrometer-thick amorphous Al2O3 planar waveguides, deposited at 150 °C and a rate of 23.3 nm/min, exhibit optical losses below 1 dB/cm at 638 nm and as low as 0.1 dB/cm in the conventional optical communication band.

Nonreciprocity of thermal radiation in attenuated total reflection‐mediated optical waveguide

AbstractFano resonance (FR) and the triggered nonreciprocal thermal radiation (NTR) in a Weyl semimetal (WSM)‐ incorporated Kretschmann configuration has been observed and analyzed. Employing the anisotropic permittivity tensor, the electromagnetic responses of the proposed layered structure have been studied, and we illustrate that FR and strong nonreciprocity is attributed to the coupling between the planar waveguide mode and surface plasmon polaritons in WSM. It is shown that absorptivity (α) is not consistent with emissivity (e) in the considered angular range, which confirms near‐complete violation of Kirchhoff's law with nonmagnetic WSM. To analyze the physical origin of NTR, we performed numerical calculations for the α, e, nonreciprocity (η), as well as the magnetic field inside each layer. The compre‐hensive investigation of η with regard to geometric parameters suggests great potential for the practical use of perfect absorption and NTR over a wide range of frequencies and layer thicknesses.

Asymptotic analysis on bright solitons and breather solutions of a generalized higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in an optical fiber or a planar waveguide

Abstract We study a generalized higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in an optical fiber or a planar waveguide. We obtain the Lax pair and N-fold Darboux transformation (DT) with N being a positive integer. Based on Lax pair obtained by us, we derive the infinitely-many conservation laws. We give the bright one-, two-, and N-soliton solutions, and the first-, second-, and Nth-order breather solutions based on the N-fold DT. We conclude that the velocities of the bright solitons are influenced by the distributed gain function, g(z), and variable coefficients in equation, h 1(z), p 1(z), r 1(z), and s 1(z) via the asymptotic analysis, where z represents the propagation variable or spatial coordinate. We also graphically observe that: the velocities of the first- and second-order breathers will be affected by h 1(z), p 1(z), r 1(z), and s 1(z), and the background wave depends on g(z).

Waveguide-Enhanced Nanoplasmonic Biosensor for Ultrasensitive and Rapid DNA Detection.

DNA is fundamental for storing and transmitting genetic information. Analyzing DNA or RNA base sequences enables the identification of genetic disorders, monitoring gene expression, and detecting pathogens. Traditional detection techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have limitations, including complexity, high cost, and the need for advanced computational skills. Therefore, there is a significant demand for enzyme-free and amplification-free strategies for rapid, low-cost, and sensitive DNA detection. DNA biosensors, especially those utilizing plasmonic nanomaterials, offer a promising solution. This study introduces a novel DNA-functionalized waveguide-enhanced nanoplasmonic optofluidic biosensor using a nanogold-linked sorbent assay for enzyme-free and amplification-free DNA detection. Integrating plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with a glass planar waveguide (WG) and a microfluidic channel, fabricated through cost-effective, vacuum-free methods, the biosensor achieves specific detection of complementary target DNA sequences. Utilizing a sandwich architecture, AuNPs labeled with detection DNA probes enhance sensitivity by altering evanescent wave distribution and inducing plasmon resonance modes. The biosensor demonstrated exceptional performance in DNA detection, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 33.1 fg/mL (4.36 fM) with a rapid response time of approximately 8 min. This ultrasensitive, rapid, and cost-effective biosensor exhibits minimal background nonspecific adsorption, making it highly suitable for clinical applications and early disease diagnosis. The innovative design and fabrication processes offer significant advantages for mass production, presenting a viable tool for precise disease diagnostics and improved clinical outcomes.

Silicon photonic microresonator-based high-resolution line-by-line pulse shaping

Optical pulse shaping stands as a formidable technique in ultrafast optics, radio-frequency photonics, and quantum communications. While existing systems rely on bulk optics or integrated platforms with planar waveguide sections for spatial dispersion, they face limitations in achieving finer (few- or sub-GHz) spectrum control. These methods either demand considerable space or suffer from pronounced phase errors and optical losses when assembled to achieve fine resolution. Addressing these challenges, we present a foundry-fabricated six-channel silicon photonic shaper using microresonator filter banks with inline phase control and high spectral resolution. Leveraging existing comb-based spectroscopic techniques, we devise a system to mitigate thermal crosstalk and enable the versatile use of our on-chip shaper. Our results demonstrate the shaper’s ability to phase-compensate six comb lines at tunable channel spacings of 3, 4, and 5 GHz. Specifically, at a 3 GHz channel spacing, we showcase the generation of arbitrary waveforms in the time domain. This scalable design and control scheme holds promise in meeting future demands for high-precision spectral shaping capabilities.

Deterministic photon source of genuine three-qubit entanglement

Deterministic photon sources allow long-term advancements in quantum optics. A single quantum emitter embedded in a photonic resonator or waveguide may be triggered to emit one photon at a time into a desired optical mode. By coherently controlling a single spin in the emitter, multi-photon entanglement can be realized. We demonstrate a deterministic source of three-qubit entanglement based on a single electron spin trapped in a quantum dot embedded in a planar nanophotonic waveguide. We implement nuclear spin narrowing to increase the spin dephasing time to T2*≃33\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${T}_{2}^{*}\\simeq 33$$\\end{document} ns, which enables high-fidelity coherent optical spin rotations, and realize a spin-echo pulse sequence for sequential generation of spin-photon and spin-photon-photon entanglement. The emitted photons are highly indistinguishable, which is a key requirement for scalability and enables subsequent photon fusions to realize larger entangled states. This work presents a scalable deterministic source of multi-photon entanglement with a clear pathway for further improvements, offering promising applications in photonic quantum computing or quantum networks.

Direct observation of a few-photon phase shift induced by a single quantum emitter in a waveguide

Realizing a sensitive photon-number-dependent phase shift on a light beam is required both in classical and quantum photonics. It may lead to new applications for classical and quantum photonics machine learning or pave the way for realizing photon-photon gate operations. Nonlinear phase-shifts require efficient light-matter interaction, and recently quantum dots coupled to nanophotonic devices have enabled near-deterministic single-photon coupling. We experimentally realize an optical phase shift of 0.19π ± 0.03 radians ( ≈ 34 degrees) using a weak coherent state interacting with a single quantum dot in a planar nanophotonic waveguide. The phase shift is probed by interferometric measurements of the light scattered from the quantum dot in the waveguide. The process is nonlinear in power, the saturation at the single-photon level and compatible with scalable photonic integrated circuitry. The work may open new prospects for realizing high-efficiency optical switching or be applied for proof-of-concept quantum machine learning or quantum simulation demonstrations.

Electric Control of the In-Plane Deflection of Laser Beam Pairs within a Photonic Slab Waveguide

A symmetric laser beam pair can provide unique control over light–matter interactions. When propagating within a symmetric slab waveguide, its non-conical diffraction at a specially designed symmetric leaky waveguide grating can be completely suppressed, a phenomenon we term zero diffraction. This allows for infinite contrast control of light detrapping from the slab waveguide. In this paper, we demonstrate the electric control of the local deflection of a beam pair while preserving its properties. This introduces a novel method for routing optical signals across a planar waveguide. We utilize a waveguide structure that enables zero diffraction under non-conical incidence on a 1D grating and design a grating geometry capable of deflecting the beam pair by approximately 90 degrees. This design is experimentally realized using three different diffractive elements for trapping, deflection, and detrapping. The deflection is controlled by an electric field, allowing the deflected intensity to be tuned by a factor of 21.

Er:LiYF4 planar waveguide laser at 2.8 μm

We report on a mid-infrared erbium planar waveguide laser operating on the 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition. It employs a heavily doped 10.6 at. % Er3+:LiYF4 single-crystalline layer grown by liquid-phase epitaxy. The waveguide laser delivers a maximum output power of 191 mW at ∼2809 nm with a slope efficiency of 15%, a linear polarization, and a laser threshold of 134 mW. The waveguide propagation losses are 0.4 ± 0.2 dB/cm. The polarized spectroscopic properties of the Er3+:LiYF4 layers are also investigated. The stimulated-emission cross section of Er3+ ions amounts to 0.87 × 10−20 cm2 at 2809 nm for π-polarization. Er3+:LiYF4 epitaxial layers represent a promising platform for integrated low-loss mid-infrared light sources.

Efficient THz wave generation through intermodal four-wave mixing in the Ge waveguides with different geometries

ABSTRACT Intermodal four-wave mixing (FWM) in photonic waveguides offers a promising approach for efficient terahertz (THz) wave generation, crucial for advanced photonic systems. This study explores the potential of germanium (Ge) waveguides, leveraging their distinct dispersion profiles in transverse electric (TE), and transverse magnetic (TM) modes to achieve phase-matching for FWM. We conducted a numerical analysis of two waveguide geometries, ridge and plane, to optimize THz generation efficiency. Also, by optimizing waveguide geometry, it is possible to achieve higher conversion efficiency and broader THz bandwidth. The results demonstrate that Ge waveguides, particularly when utilizing same-phase laser pulses, can significantly enhance THz radiation and exhibit lower losses compared to traditional silicon-based designs. The findings suggest that integrating these optimized Ge waveguides with existing photonic components could lead to more versatile and efficient THz systems.

Spoof surface plasmon Polaritons dual beam scanning antenna for 5G application

Dual beam scanning (DBS) antenna exited by two different spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) transmission lines is proposed in this paper. The antenna is constructed by placing three rows of circular patches on both sides of two different planar SSPPs waveguide. These patches convert the SSPP guided waves into radiating waves. This simple single-layer antenna is characterized by dual without need to use switches or other complex configurations. It is designed to support application of several 5G sub-6 GHz bands (3.5 (n78) GHz, 3.7 (n77) GHz, and 4.5 (n79) GHz). The proposed antenna realizes the dual beam scanning by controlling the dispersion properties and field confinement along two different SSPPs transmission lines, based on different propagation constant. Numerical simulations are carried out by CST Microwave Studio and Ansys HFSS. These numerical simulations are verified by experimental results over the operating frequency band from 1 GHz to 6 GHz.

Hybrid Fibers with Subwavelength-Scale Liquid Core for Highly Sensitive Sensing and Enhanced Nonlinearity.

Interest grows in designing silicon-on-insulator slot waveguides to trap optical fields in subwavelength-scale slots and developing their optofluidic devices. However, it is worth noting that the inherent limitations of the waveguide structures may result in high optical losses and short optical paths, which challenge the device's performance in optofluidics. Incorporating the planar silicon-based slot waveguide concept into a silica-based hollow-core fiber can provide a perfect solution to realize an efficient optofluidic waveguide. Here, we propose a subwavelength-scale liquid-core hybrid fiber (LCHF), where the core is filled with carbon disulfide and surrounded by a silicon ring in a silica background. The waveguide properties and the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) effect in the LCHF are investigated. The fraction of power inside the core of 56.3% allows for improved sensitivity in optical sensing, while the modal Raman gain of 23.60 m-1·W-1 is two times larger than that generated around a nanofiber with the interaction between the evanescent optical field and the surrounding Raman media benzene-methanol, which enables a significant low-threshold SRS effect. Moreover, this in-fiber structure features compactness, robustness, flexibility, ease of implementation in both trace sample consumption and reasonable liquid filling duration, as well as compatibility with optical fiber systems. The detailed analyses of the properties and utilizations of the LCHF suggest a promising in-fiber optofluidic platform, which provides a novel insight into optofluidic devices, optical sensing, nonlinear optics, etc.

Waveguide-based microscope slide for label-free high-resolution imaging

Waveguide-based total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy has been widely adopted due to its excellent signal-to-noise ratio over a large field of view. However, with the increasing demand for label-free imaging, waveguide-based evanescent light scattering microscopy (ESM) has also garnered significant attention. Here, we present a low-cost waveguide-based microscope slide that offers easier integration with conventional optical microscopy. This microscope slide uses an incoherent light source coupled to a lithium tantalate (LT) planar waveguide to generate an evanescent light that illuminates samples located within a few hundred nanometers of the waveguide surface. We perform its application for imaging chromium nanoholes and polystyrene nanospheres, demonstrating its label-free, high-resolution, high-contrast imaging performance. LT waveguide microscope slides provide a simple and effective solution for ESM.

Optical intensity figures of merit of insulator-metal-insulator and metal-insulator-metal thin-film stacks

This paper discusses the quality factors Q and the intensity figures of merit (IFoM) evaluating the intensity and leakage of modes of the reflection flux and of the plane-wave and locally excited transmitted fluxes of insulator-metal-insulator (IMI) and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) 2D planar thin-film stacks, here air-Au-glass and air-Au-SiO2-Au-glass stacks respectively. These thin film stacks sustain a single surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and multiple planar waveguide (PWG) modes. The Q and IFoM of the 3D dispersion graph (in-plane wave vector k ρ /k 0 ∈ [0, 1.52]/frequency ω ∈ [0.5, 2.7] eV/observable dispersion) are calculated and analyzed along 2D cuts where either the in-plane wave vector k ρ /k 0 or the frequency ω are varied the other independent variable being kept fixed. Here these two cuts are called spatial (ω fixed) and frequency (k ρ /k 0 fixed) domains. Due to a lower leakage, the Q and IFoM of the IMI and MIM thin film stack modes are significantly larger in the spatial domain than in the frequency domain. In the spatial domain the IMI and MIM stack modes dominate at low and high frequencies respectively. In the frequency domain, the Q and IFoM of a MIM stack mode is always larger than that of an IMI stack. Our results span a large domain of frequencies in the SPP and RPP region and of the in-plane wave vector whereas the results in the literature presented above concern only particular laser frequencies and limited in-plane wave vector values. Our Q and IFoM of the 2D planar thin film stack modes, obtained with optimized independent variables, are larger than those of other planar thin film stacks but smaller than some 2D/3D nano scale samples with an involved geometry. The simplicity of producing these simple IMI and MIM stacks permit their use in the applications.