Physics and applications of photonic crystals

In this article, we investigate how the photonic band gaps and the variety of band dispersions of photonic crystals can be utilized for various applications and how they further give rise to completely novel optical phenomena. The enhancement of spontaneous emission through coupled cavity waveguides in a one-dimensional silicon nitride photonic microcrystal is investigated. We then present the highly directive radiation from sources embedded in two-dimensional photonic crystals. The manifestation of novel and intriguing optical properties of photonic crystals are exemplified experimentally by the negative refraction and the focusing of electromagnetic waves through a photonic crystal slab with subwavelength resolution.     

Polarization-independent grating couplers for silicon-on-insulator nanophotonic waveguides

We propose the use of subwavelength structures in a waveguide grating to achieve polarization-independent coupling of light between an optical fiber and a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) optical waveguide. The subwavelength structure allows the mode effective indices of the TE and TM modes in the grating section to be precisely engineered. We calculate that coupling efficiency of over 64% is possible using the proposed design for polarization-independent coupling between single-mode optical fibers and SOI nanophotonic waveguides.     

Tunable coupling of a hybrid plasmonic waveguide consisting of two identical dielectric cylinders and a silver film

The propagation length of surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs) is intrinsically limited by the metallic ohmic loss that is enhanced by the strongly confined electromagnetic field. In this paper, we propose a new class of hybrid plasmonic waveguides(HPWs) that can support long-range SPP propagation while keeping subwavelength optical field confinement. It is shown that the coupling between the waveguides can be well tuned by simply varying the structural parameters. Compared with conventional HPWs, a larger propagation length as well as a better optical field confinement can be simultaneously realized. The proposed structure with better optical performance can be useful for future photonic device design and optical integration research.     

Observation of amplitude and phase in ridge and photonic crystal waveguides operating at 1.55 microm by use of heterodyne scanning near-field optical microscopy

We apply heterodyne scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) to observe with subwavelength resolution the amplitude and phase of optical fields propagating in several microfabricated waveguide devices operating around the 1.55 microm wavelength. Good agreement between the SNOM measurements and predicted optical mode propagation characteristics in standard ridge waveguides demonstrates the validity of the method. In situ observation of the subwavelength-scale distribution and propagation of optical fields in straight and 90 degrees bend photonic crystal waveguides facilitates a more detailed understanding of the optical performance characteristics of these devices and illustrates the usefulness of the technique for investigating nanostructured photonic devices.     

Waveguide arrays as plasmonic metamaterials: transmission below cutoff

Since the work of Ebbesen et al. [Nature (London) 391, 667 (1998)], there has been immense interest in the optical properties of subwavelength holes in metal layers. While the enhanced transmission observed is generally associated with surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), theoretical predictions suggest a similar response with perfectly conducting materials. However, Pendry et al. [Science 305, 847 (2004)] proposed that, if textured on a subwavelength scale, even perfect conductors support surface modes. Here, using microwave radiation incident upon an array of metal waveguides, we observe peaks in the transmissivity below cutoff and confirm the crucial role of these SPP-like modes in the mechanism responsible.     

Design of low-loss tapered waveguide by applying photonic-crystal-based microlenses in telescopic structure

In this paper, the design of low-loss tapered waveguides by applying photonic-crystal-based microlenses is presented. The microlenses are realized by using two-dimensional photonic crystal (PhC) structures with a hexagonal periodic lattice of air-holes. In order to make the PhC structures behave as homogeneous and isotropic microlenses, the PhC structures are designed to operate in the low-frequency domain with light wavelength sufficiently larger than the PhC lattice constant. The effective indices of the PhC are calculated and the structures are properly arranged in microlenslike shapes. By monolithically integrating the effective microlenses in the tapered area between the two optical waveguides with different core dimensions, the wavefront of the eigenmode can be coupled from the larger core to the smaller core effectively and also the radiation loss in the tapered area between the two connected optical waveguides can be effectively suppressed. The results show that the PhC-based microlens in the telescopic structure can serve as an optical element in the tapered waveguide with the advantages of low loss, high efficiency and compactness.     

Highly directional emission from photonic crystal waveguides of subwavelength width

Recently it has been shown that it is possible to achieve directional emission out of a subwavelength aperture in a periodically corrugated metallic thin film. We report on theoretical and experimental studies of a related phenomenon concerning light emitted from photonic crystal waveguides that are less than a wavelength wide. We find that the termination of the photonic crystal end facets and an appropriate choice of the wavelength are instrumental in achieving very low numerical apertures. Our results hold promise for the combination of photonic crystal waveguides with conventional optical systems such as fibers, waveguides, and freely propagating light beams.     

One-mode model for patterned metal layers inside integrated color pixels

Optimized design of the optical filters inside integrated color pixels (ICPs) for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensors requires analytical models. ICP optical filters consist of subwavelength patterned metal layers. We show that a one-mode model, in which subwavelength gaps in the metal layer are described in terms of single-mode waveguides, suffices to predict the salient features of measured ICP wavelength selectivity. The Airy-like transmittance formula, derived for transverse-electric polarization, predicts an angle-independent cutoff wavelength, which is in good agreement with predictions made with a two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method.     

Surface plasmon polariton waveguides with subwavelength confinement

Surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs) are evanescent waves propagating along metal-dielectric interfaces, which provide an effective way to realize optical wave guiding with subwavelength confinement. Metallic nanostructures supporting SPPs,that is, plasmonic waveguides, are considered as required components to construct nanophotonic devices and circuits with a high degree of miniaturization and integration. In this paper, various types of plasmonic waveguides operating in the visible, infrared, and terahertz regions are reviewed, and the status of the research on their fundamentals, fabrications,and applications is provided as well. First, we discuss the mechanisms of SPPs beyond the diffraction limit, and their launching methods. Then, the characteristics of SPPs on various plasmonic waveguides are reviewed, including top-down and bottom-up fabricated types. Considering applications, certain prototypes of plasmonic devices and circuits constructed by plasmonic waveguides for bio/chemo sensing, router, and light modulation are demonstrated. Finally, a summary and future outlook of plasmonic waveguides are given.     

Circular grating coupler for creating focused azimuthally and radially polarized beams

We show a planar optical circuit design that takes light from an input waveguide and creates a focused azimuthally or radially polarized beam emanating from the surface of the substrate. It is implemented in silicon-on-insulator waveguides and does not require any external components to focus the beam. The focal spot size can be subwavelength and is potentially useful for lithography, imaging, optical data storage, optical trapping, optical excitation of molecules, or coupling to optical fibers.     

Long-range dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides operating at telecommunication wavelengths

We report on the realization of long-range dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides (LR-DLSPPWs) consisting of straight and bent subwavelength dielectric ridges deposited on thin and narrow metal stripes supported by a dielectric buffer layer covering a low-index substrate. Using imaging with a near-field optical microscope and end-fire coupling with a tapered fiber connected to a tunable laser at telecommunication wavelengths (1425-1545?nm), we demonstrate low-loss (propagation length ～500?μm) and well-confined (mode width ～1?μm) LR-DLSPPW mode guiding and determine the propagation and bend loss.     

All-dielectric bowtie waveguide with deep subwavelength mode confinement

Plasmonic waveguides and conventional dielectric waveguides have favorable characteristics in photonic integrated circuits. Typically, plasmonic waveguides can provide subwavelength mode confinement, as shown by their small mode area, whereas conventional dielectric waveguides guide light with low loss, as shown by their long propagation length. However, the simultaneous achievement of subwavelength mode confinement and low-loss propagation remains limited. In this paper, we propose a novel design of an alldielectric bowtie waveguide, which simultaneously exhibits both subwavelength mode confinement and theoretically lossless propagation. Contrary to traditional dielectric waveguides, where the guidance of light is based on total internal reflection, the principle of the all-dielectric bowtie waveguide is based on the combined use of the conservation of the normal component of the electric displacement and the tangential component of the electric field, such that it can achieve a mode area comparable to its plasmonic counterparts. The mode distribution in the all-dielectric bowtie waveguide can be precisely controlled by manipulating the geometric design. Our work shows that it is possible to achieve extreme light confinement by using dielectric instead of lossy metals.     

Metal-dielectric-metal plasmonic waveguide devices for manipulating light at the nanoscale Invited Paper

We review some of the recent advances in the development of subwavelength plasmonic devices for ma- nipulating light at the nanoscale, drawing examples from our own work in metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) plasmonic waveguide devices. We introduce bends, splitters, and mode converters for MDM waveguides with no additional loss. We also demonstrate that optical gain provides a mechanism for on/off switch- ing in MDM plasmonie waveguides. Highly efficient compact couplers between dielectric waveguides and MDM waveguides are also introduced.     

Nanowire plasmonic waveguides,circuits and devices

As typical one‐dimensional nanostructures for waveguiding tightly confined optical fields beyond the diffraction limit, metal nanowires have been used as versatile nanoscale building blocks for functional plasmonic and photonic structures and devices. Metal nanowires, especially those fabricated by bottom‐up synthesis such as Ag and Au nanowires, usually exhibit excellent diameter uniformity and surface smoothness with diameters down to tens of nanometers, which offers great opportunities for plasmonic waveguiding of optical fields with deep‐subwavelength confinement, coherence maintenance and low scattering losses. Based on nanowire plasmonic waveguides, a variety of applications ranging from plasmonic couplers, interferometers, resonators to photon emitters have been reported in recent years. In this article, significant progresses in these nanowire plasmonic waveguides, circuits and devices are reviewed. Future outlook and challenges are also discussed.     

On the problem of reconstruction of permittivity profiles for optical fibers and channel waveguides through the far field of fundamental mode emission

An algorithm for analytic continuation of the Fourier transform for the mode field in a three-dimensional waveguide from a finite region to the entire plane of spatial frequencies is proposed. It is demonstrated that this algorithm makes it possible to reconstruct the permittivity profiles of optical fibers and channel waveguides through the far field of fundamental mode emission with subwavelength resolution.     

Applying the autosynchronization of waves to amplify laser radiation in waveguides

The possibility of applying the phenomenon of autosynchronization of waves in tunnel-coupled optical waveguides to amplify the laser radiation is considered. An optical amplification method of high-power laser radiation, which includes division, amplification in each channel, and the addition of amplified waves, is proposed. It increases the formation rate of the amplified directed radiation. In the proposed method, the optical waves propagate along optical waveguides made so that the tunnel optical coupling occurs between them, and these waveguides are nonlinear-optical. This method is applicable for the synchronization (phasing) of waves in fiber-optic light guides with many cores in conditions of amplifying these waves. For example, this method can be applied in erbium amplifiers with many cores.     

Tapered plasmonic waveguides with efficient and broadband field transmission

In this paper we suggest, numerically simulate and discuss a tapered plasmonic nanostructure which allows efficient transmission of the wave beam energy into a weakly subwavelength (λ/4 … λ/2) spatial region within a broad frequency range. The frequency stable location of this region becomes possible due to unusual plasmonic modes we have theoretically revealed and used. Our structure is promising for prospective transducers between conventional optical waveguides and subwavelength nanoguides or nanocircuits.     

Scaling of optical forces in dielectric waveguides: rigorous connection between radiation pressure and dispersion

We show that eigenmodes of dielectric optical waveguides exert surface dilation forces on waveguide boundaries owing to radiation pressure, and we develop an exact scaling law relating modal dispersion of an arbitrary dielectric waveguide to the magnitude of optical forces generated by radiation pressure. This result points to highly dispersive waveguides as an optimal choice for the generation of large optical forces in nano-optomechanical systems. Exact agreement with ab initio calculations is demonstrated.     

小尺寸低折射率差硅基二氧化硅阵列波导光栅

随着AWG型器件在光通信系统中的大规模应用,对低成本AWG芯片的需求越来越多。在各种降成本方案中,减小AWG芯片的尺寸是最有效的方法之一。本文介绍了一种新型小尺寸低折射率差硅基二氧化硅阵列波导光栅（AWG）的设计。在该AWG中,输入波导/输出波导与平板波导连接的部分制作成两侧为空气槽的高折射率差波导,所以在与输出平板波导连接处的相邻输出波导间距较小,这样可以在设计上缩短平板波导的长度、减少阵列波导的数量,实现较小的AWG芯片尺寸。该AWG的其它部分,如输入/输出波导与光纤耦合的部分、阵列波导光栅等均采用常规的低折射率波导工艺,所以就同时具有与常规的低折射率波导AWG相同的优点：如低耦合损耗、较好的串扰以及光学特性等。根据这个原理,设计了一种40通道100 GHz频率间隔的低折射率差硅基二氧化硅AWG,其芯片尺寸只有23.88 mm?10.5 mm,是传统相同材料制作的AWG尺寸的1/6。     

Design of a subwavelength bent C-aperture waveguide

We present a design for a subwavelength C-shaped optical waveguide with a 90 degrees junction that efficiently transports light while maintaining tight confinement with an exit spot size of lambda/7. Finite-difference time-domain simulations of perfect electric conductors and Au C-aperture waveguides are performed for optical frequencies. A design resonant near 780 nm is presented, with a spot size of 107 nm x 107 nm and an energy density enhancement factor of 10 for a bent waveguide of total length 1.4 microm.