Investigation on photonic crystal nanobeam cavity based on mixed diamond–circular holes

A photonic crystal nanobeam cavity(M-PCNC)with a structure incorporating a mixture of diamond-shaped and circular air holes is pro-posed.The performance of the cavity is simulated and studied theoretically.Using thefinite-difference time-domain method,the parameters of the M-PCNC,including cavity thickness and width,lattice constant,and radii and numbers of holes,are optimized,with the quality factor Q and mode volume Vm as performance indicators.Mutual modulation of the lattice constant and hole radius enable the proposed M-PCNC to realize outstanding performance.The optimized cavity possesses a high quality factor Q 1.45105 and an ultra-small mode=×volume Vm 0.01(λ/n)[Zeng et al.,Opt Lett 2023:48;3981–3984]in the telecommunications wavelength range.Light can be progres-=sively squeezed in both the propagation direction and the perpendicular in-plane direction by a series of interlocked anti-slots and slots in the diamond-shaped hole structure.Thereby,the energy can be confined within a small mode volume to achieve an ultra-high Q/Vm ratio.

High-efficiency ultra-fast all-optical photonic crystal diode based on the lateral-coupled nonlinear elliptical defect

An all-optical Fano-like diode featuring a nonlinear lateral elliptical micro-cavity and a reflecting column in the photonic crystal waveguide is proposed.The asymmetric micro-cavity is constructed by removing one rod and changing the shape of the lateral rod from a circle to an ellipse.A reflecting pillar is also introduced into the waveguide to construct an F-P cavity with the elliptical defect and enhance the asymmetric transmission for the incident light wave transmitting rightwards and leftwards,respectively.By designing the size of the ellipse and optimizing a reflecting rod at a suitable position,a maximum forward light transmittance of-1.14 dB and a minimum backward transmittance of-57.66 dB are achieved at the working wavelength of 1550.47 nm.The corresponding response time is about 10 ps when the intensity of the pump light beam resonant at 637 nm is 3.97 W/μm2.

High-performance Refractive Index Sensor Based on Photonic Crystal Single Mode Resonant Micro-cavity

An effective refractive index sensor built with square lattice photonic crystal is proposed,which can be applicable to photonic integrated circuits.Two photonic crystal waveguides rather than conventional ridge waveguides are used as entrance/exit waveguides to the micro-cavity.Three layers of photonic lattice are set between the photonic crystal waveguides and the micro-cavity to achieve both a high transmission and a high sensitivity.The plane wave method is utilized to calculate the disperse curves and the finite difference time domain scheme is employed to simulate the light propagation.At the resonant wavelength of about 1500 nm,the resonant wavelength shifts up by 0.7 nm for each increment of Δn=0.001.A transmission of more than 0.75 is observed.Although the position disorder of the photonic crystal doesn't affect the sensitivity of the sensor, the transmission reduces rapidly as the disorder increases.

High-Q cavity based on gradated one-dimensional photonic crystal

A high quality-factor （Q） cavity based on a one-dimensional （1D） photonic crystal with gradated elliptical holes was designed using FDTD simulation. Different gradient profiles of the mirror holes were found to correspond to different Q- values of the cavities. A simple strategy is proposed to construct high-Q cavities by using an S-shaped gradient profile for the elliptical holes＇ minor axes, such as a cosine function or Gaussian function. Using such a strategy, a Q value exceeding two million is obtained with only ten mirror holes in a cavity.

Vertical cavity surface emitting laser transverse mode and polarization control by elliptical hole photonic crystal

The polarization of traditional photonic crystal（PC） vertical cavity surface emitting laser（VCSEL） is uncontrollable,resulting in the bit error increasing easily.Elliptical hole photonic crystal can control the transverse mode and polarization of VCSEL efficiently.We analyze the far field divergence angle,and birefringence of elliptical hole PC VCSEL.When the ratio of minor axis to major axis b/a = 0.7,the PC VCSEL can obtain single mode and polarization.According to the simulation results,we fabricate the device successfully.The output power is 1.7 mW,the far field divergence angle is less than 10°,and the side mode suppression ratio is over 30 dB.The output power in the Y direction is 20 times that in the X direction.

Low group velocity in a photonic crystal coupled-cavity waveguide

A two-dimensional photonic crystal coupled-cavity waveguide is designed and optimized, the transmission spectrum is calculated by using the finite-difference time-domain method, and the group velocity of c/1856 is obtained. To our knowledge, this value of group velocity is the lowest group velocity in a photonic crystal waveguide calculated from its transmission spectrum so far. The result is confirmed by the photonic band structure calculated by using the plane wave expansion method, and it is found that the photonic crystal waveguide modes in a photonic band structure are in accordance with those in the transmission spectrum by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The mechanism of slow light in the coupled-cavity waveguide of photonic crystal is analysed.

A Multi-Parameter Sensor Based on Cascaded Photonic Crystal Cavities Filled with Magnetic Fluid

A kind of photonic crystal (PC) micro-cavity sensor based on magnetic fluid (MF) filling is designed with simulation model. Generally, many sensors’ designs are based on a universal temperature in the whole structure. However, strong photothermal effect in high Q micro-cavities will lead to different temperatures between cavities and environment inevitably. In many theoretical PC sensor designs, researchers neglected the different temperature between environment and cavities. This simple hypothesis will probably lead to failure of sensor design and get wrong temperature. Moreover, few theoretical or experimental works have been done to study optical cavity’s heating process and temperature. We propose that researchers should take seriously about this point. Here, the designed cascaded micro-cavity structure has three spectral lines and a reversible sensitivity matrix, which can simultaneously detect magnetic field, ambient temperature and MF micro-cavity temperature. It can solve the magnetic field and temperature cross-sensitivity problem, and further, distinguish the different temperatures of environment and magnetic fluid cavities. The influence of hole radius and slab thickness on the depth and Q value of the resonant spectral line are also studied. Responses of three dips to magnetic field, ambient temperature and MF micro-cavity temperature are simulated, respectively, where dip 1 belongs to MF cavity 1, dip 2 and dip 3 belong to MF cavity 2. The obtained magnetic field sensitivities are 2.89 pm/Oe, 4.57 pm/Oe, and 5.14 pm/Oe, respectively;the ambient temperature sensitivities are 65.51 pm/K, 50.94 pm/K, and 58.98 pm/K, respectively;and the MF micro-cavity temperature sensitivities are −14.41 pm/K, −17.06 pm/K, and −18.81 pm/K, respectively.

Spontaneous-emission control by local density of states of photonic crystal cavity

The local density of states （LDOS） of two-dimensional square lattice photonic crystal （PhC） defect cavity is studied. The results show that the LDOS in the centre is greatly reduced, while the LDOS at the point off the centre （for example, at the point （0.3a, 0.4a）, where a is the lattice constant） is extremely enhanced. Further, the disordered radii are introduced to imitate the real devices fabricated in our experiment, and then we study the LDOS of PhC cavity with configurations of different disordered radii. The results show that in the disordered cavity, the LDOS in the centre is still greatly reduced, while the LDOS at the point （0.3a, 0.4a） is still extremely enhanced. It shows that the LDOS analysis is useful. When a laser is designed on the basis of the square lattice PhC rod cavity, in order to enhance the spontaneous emission, the active materials should not be inserted in the centre of the cavity, but located at positions off the centre. So LDOS method gives a guide to design the positions of the active materials （quantum dots） in the lasers.

A completely open cavity realized with photonic crystal wedges

A completely open cavity, which is formed by three 60-degree wedges of a photonic crystal with negative effective index, is introduced. Such a realizable design for a completely open cavity (i.e., without any reflective wall in the radial direction) is the first of its kind ever been reported. Due to the negative effective refraction index of the photonic crystal and the high transmission at the photonic crystal/air interfaces, a closed path with zero optical path is formed for the resonance. The present open cavity is very suitable for use as a biosensor as it has large air wedges into which a liquid measurand can flow easily.

Topological resonators based on hexagonal-star valley photonic crystals

In valley photonic crystals, topological edge states can be gained by breaking the spatial inversion symmetry without breaking time-reversal symmetry or creating pseudo-spin structures, making highly unidirectional light transmission easy to achieve. This paper presents a novel physical model of a hexagonal-star valley photonic crystal. Simulations based on the finite element method(FEM) are performed to investigate the propagation of TM polarized mode and its application to ring resonators. The results show that such a topologically triangular ring resonator exhibits an optimum quality factor Q of about 1.25×104, and Q has a maximum value for both frequency and the cavity length L. Our findings are expected to have significant implications for developing topological lasers and wavelength division multiplexers.

Light propagation properties of two-dimensional photonic crystal channel filters with elliptical micro-cavities

Light propagation through a channel filter based on two-dimensional photonic crystals with elliptical-rod defects is studied by the finite-difference time-domain method. Shape alteration of the defects from the usual circle to an ellipse offers a powerful approach to engineer the resonant frequency of channel filters. It is found that the resonant frequency can be flexibly adjusted by just changing the orientation angle of the elliptical defects. The sensitivity of the resonant wavelength to the alteration of the oval rods＇ shape is also studied. This kind of multi-channel filter is very suitable for systems requiring a large number of output channel filters.

Simplified modeling of frequency behavior in photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting laser with tunnel injection quantum dot in active region

In this work, the characteristics of the photonic crystal tunneling injection quantum dot vertical cavity surface emitting lasers（Ph C-TIQD-VCSEL） are studied through analyzing a modified modulation transfer function. The function is based on the rate equations describing the carrier dynamics at different energy levels of dot and injector well. Although the frequency modulation response component associated with carrier dynamics in wetting layer（WL） and at excited state（ES） levels of dots limits the total bandwidth in conventional QD-VCSEL, our study shows that it can be compensated for by electron tunneling from the injector well into the dot in TIQD structure. Carrier back tunneling time is one of the most important parameters, and by increment of that, the bias current dependence of the total bandwidth will be insignificant. It is proved that at high bias current, the limitation of the WL-ES level plays an important role in reducing the total bandwidth and results in rollovers on 3-d B bandwidth-I curves. In such a way, for smaller air hole diameter of photonic crystal, the effect of this reduction is stronger.

A photonic crystal side-coupled waveguide based on a high-quality-factor resonator array

Based on the present coupled mode theory of the photonic crystal resonator array in this paper, we propose a novel side-coupled waveguide to achieve highly efficient coupling of photonic crystal devices. It is found that the coupling efficiency is sensitive to the interval, the total number and the quality factor of the resonator. Considering the coupling efficiency and the coupling region, we select five resonators with an interval of six lattice periods. By optimizing the structure parameters of the waveguide and resonator, the quality factors of the resonator can be modulated and the coupling efficiency of the side-coupled waveguide reaches 95.47% in theory. Compared with other coupling methods, the side-coupled waveguide can realize efficient coupling with a compact structure, a high level of integration and a low degree of operational difficulties.

Optical properties of the direct-coupled Y-branch filters by using photonic crystal slabs

We fabricated a new type of two-dimensional photonic crystal slab filter. The resonant cavities were directly put into the waveguide arms. The optical transmissions of the filters were measured and the results show that the optimized two-channel filters give good intensity distribution at the output ports of the waveguide. A minimum wavelength spacing of 5 nm of the filter outputs is realized by accurately controlling the size of the resonant cavities.

Semiconductor photonic crystal laser

By combing artificial micro–nano structures,photonic crystals(PCs),with traditional semiconductor laser material to realize the dynamic collaborative control of photonic states and confined electrons,the band engineering of the PC has been confirmed.This brings new development space for the semiconductor laser,such as for low threshold and high efficiency.Based on a series of works by Zheng's group,this paper has reviewed kinds of PC lasers including electrical injection PC vertical cavity and lateral cavity surface-emitting lasers,and PC high beam quality lasers,to show that the PC is vital for promoting the continuous improvement of semiconductor laser performance at present and in the future.

Ultra-high-Q photonic crystal nanobeam cavity for etchless lithium niobate on insulator(LNOI)platform

The expansive spectral coverage and superior optical properties of lithium niobate(LN)offer a comprehensive suite of tools for exploring novel functionalities.Achieving high-quality(Q)photonic resonator cavities is crucial for enhancing light-matter interactions.However,this task is challenging as the device performance is heavily dependent on the fabrica-tion quality of the LN.In this paper,we present experimental validation of an etchless approach to fabricating high-Q pho-tonic crystal nanobeam cavities(PCNBCs).We successfully fabricate PCNBCs with Q factors exceeding 105 while main-taining high transmittance by capitalizing on the low waveguide loss and high fabrication tolerance of TE-polarized mode.Remarkably,the Q factor achieved here exceeds previous reports on etchless LN PCNBCs by over an order of magni-tude.Benefiting from this advancement,we further explore a variety of optical functions,including thermo-optic tuning,optically induced bistability,and Fano line shapes generation.These findings present promising prospects for a versatile platform technique,facilitating the development of high-performance electro-optic or acousto-optic modulators,optical logic devices,and quantum photonics,highlighting its significant impact in the field of photonic integration.

基于2D-3D异质结结构密集型波分复用器的研究

在光子晶体波分复用器中,环形谐振腔作为基本的功能单元,可以实现对不同波长光信号的分离和复用,从而有效地提高光信号传输的容量和效率。以2D-3D异质结结构为载体,设计了密集型波分复用器,即在二维光子晶体平面引入环形谐振腔,通过改变谐振腔的腔长和内部介质柱的数量,实现波分复用的功能。

Compact, submilliwatt, 2 × 2 silicon thermo-optic switch based on photonic crystal nanobeam cavities

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a 2×2 thermo-optic(TO) crossbar switch implemented by dual photonic crystal nanobeam(PCN)cavities within a silicon-on-insulator(SOI)platform.By thermally tuning the refractive index of silicon,the resonance wavelength of the PCN cavities can be red-shifted.With the help of the ultrasmall mode volumes of the PCN cavities,only～0.16 mW power is needed to change the switching state.With a spectral passband of 0.09 nm at the 1583.75 nm operation wavelength,the insertion loss(IL)and crosstalk(CT)performances were measured as IL(bar)=-0.2 dB,CT(bar)=-15 dB,IL(cross)=-1.5 dB,and CT(cross)=-15 dB.Furthermore,the thermal tuning efficiency of the fabricated device is as high as1.23 nm/mW.

Dual effects of disorder on the strongly-coupled system composed of a single quantum dot and a photonic crystal L3 cavity

Light-matter interaction in the strong coupling regime enables light control at the single-photon level. We develop numerical method and analytical expressions to calculate the decay kinetics of an initially excited two-level quantum emitter in dielectric nanostructure and single-mode cavity, respectively. We use these methods to discover the dual effects of disorder on the stronglycoupled system composed of a single quantum dot and a photonic crystal L3 cavity. The quality factor is sensitive to disorder,while the g factor and vacuum Rabi splitting are robust against disorder. A small amount of disorder may either decrease or increase the light localization and the light-matter interaction. Our methods offer flexible and efficient theoretical tools for the investigation of light-matter interaction, especially cavity quantum electrodynamics. Our findings significantly lower the requirements for optimization effort and fabrication precision and open up many promising practical possibilities.

Photonic crystal cavities and integrated optical devices

This paper gives a brief introduction to our recent works on photonic crystal(Ph C) cavities and related integrated optical structures and devices. Theoretical background and numerical methods for simulation of Ph C cavities are first presented. Based on the theoretical basis, two relevant quantities, the cavity mode volume and the quality factor are discussed. Then the methods of fabrication and characterization of silicon Ph C slab cavities are introduced. Several types of Ph C cavities are presented, such as the usual L3 missing-hole cavity, the new concept waveguide-like parallel-hetero cavity, and the low-index nanobeam cavity. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of cavity are discussed. This will help the readers to decide which type of Ph C cavities to use in particular applications. Furthermore, several integrated optical devices based on Ph C cavities, such as optical filters, channel-drop filters, optical switches, and optical logic gates are described in both the working principle and operation characteristics. These devices designed and realized in our group demonstrate the wide range of applications of Ph C cavities and offer possible solutions to some integrated optical problems.