Discrete breathers in nonlinear magnetic metamaterials

Magnetic metamaterials composed of split-ring resonators or U-type elements may exhibit discreteness effects in THz and optical frequencies due to weak coupling. We consider a model one-dimensional metamaterial formed by a discrete array of nonlinear split-ring resonators where each ring interacts with its nearest neighbors. On-site nonlinearity and weak coupling among the individual array elements result in the appearance of discrete breather excitations or intrinsic localized modes, both in the energy-conserved and the dissipative system. We analyze discrete single and multibreather excitations, as well as a special breather configuration forming a magnetization domain wall and investigate their mobility and the magnetic properties their presence induces in the system.     

Dual-wavelength, two-crystal, continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator

We report a cw optical parametric oscillator (OPO) in a novel architecture comprising two nonlinear crystals in a single cavity, providing two independently tunable pairs of signal and idler wavelengths. Based on a singly resonant oscillator design, the device permits access to arbitrary signal and idler wavelength combinations within the parametric gain bandwidth and reflectivity of the OPO cavity mirrors. Using two identical 30 mm long MgO:sPPLT crystals in a compact four-mirror ring resonator pumped at 532 nm, we generate two pairs of signal and idler wavelengths with arbitrary tuning across 850-1430 nm, and demonstrate a frequency separation in the resonant signal waves down to 0.55 THz. Moreover, near wavelength-matched condition, coherent energy coupling between the resonant signal waves, results in reduced operation threshold and increased output power. A total output power >2.8 W with peak-to-peak power stability of 16% over 2 h is obtained.     

Fano resonance and wave transmission through a chain structure with an isolated ring composed of defects

We consider a discrete model that describes a linear chain of particles coupled to an isolated ring composed of N defects.This simple system can be regarded as a generalization of the familiar Fano-Anderson model.It can be used to model discrete networks of coupled defect modes in photonic crystals and simple waveguide arrays in two-dimensional lattices.The analytical result of the transmission coefficient is obtained,along with the conditions for perfect reflections and transmissions due to either destructive or constructive interferences.Using a simple example,we further investigate the relationship between the resonant frequencies and the number of defects N,and study how to affect the numbers of perfect reflections and transmissions.In addition,we demonstrate how these resonance transmissions and refections can be tuned by one nonlinear defect of the network that possesses a nonlinear Kerr-like response.     

Manipulating electromagnetic resonances in meta-molecules with double split ring resonators

We proposed meta-molecules structure composed of stacked double split ring resonators (DSRRs) and studied its electromagnetic resonances in the optical frequency range. We demonstrated that, for the first order plasmonic modes, the coupling between the outer and the inner SRRs in plane strongly influences on the resonant frequency splitting of the stacked DSRRs. And their resonant dips change with the arrangement of SRRs. However, the resonant frequencies for the high order plasmonic modes always remain immobile as the configuration varies. Our investigation offers an effective way to manipulate the resonant behavior in metamaterials.     

Fano resonance and wave transmission through a chain structure with an isolated ring composed of defects

We consider a discrete model that describes a linear chain of particles coupled to an isolated ring composed of N defects. This simple system can be regarded as a generalization of the familiar Fano-Anderson model. It can be used to model discrete networks of coupled defect modes in photonic crystals and simple waveguide arrays in two-dimensional lattices. The analytical result of the transmission coefficient is obtained, along with the conditions for perfect reflections and transmissions due to either destructive or constructive interferences. Using a simple example, we further investigate the relationship between the resonant frequencies and the number of defects N, and study how to affect the numbers of perfect reflections and transmissions. In addition, we demonstrate how these resonance transmissions and refections can be tuned by one nonlinear defect of the network that possesses a nonlinear Kerr-like response.     

Distributed exponential enhancement of phase sensitivity and intensity by coupled resonant cavities

It is shown that coupled Gires-Tournois interferometers or mathematically equivalent ring resonators exhibit distributed exponential enhancement of the phase shifts of the cavities and of the intensity of the incident wave. For identical coupled elements, this leads to a resonant increase in intensity and linear phase sensitivity in any cavity of the chain by a factor of single resonator finesse to the power of the order of this cavity, n, and also leads to an increase in sensitivity to nonlinear optical phase by finesse to the power of 2n.     

Nonlinear mode coupling in doubly resonant frequency doublers

The concept of a doubly resonant frequency doubler can be used for a variety of experiments concerning both classical phenomena like efficient frequency doubling at low power levels and quantum effects like squeezed states of light or Quantum Non Demolition (QND) measurements. In many of these experiments the strength of the nonlinear coupling of fundamental and second-harmonic modes is of crucial importance. First we treat the general theory for the calculation of the coupling parameter, which depends not only on properties of the nonlinear material but also on resonator geometry and some optical phases. On this basis we discuss in detail the situation for two different monolithic resonator geometries, namely a linear (standing-wave) and a ring (travelling-wave) cavity. Finally we compare theoretical predictions for these resonators to the experimentally achieved results.     

Electromagnetic response of a compound plasmonic–dielectric system with coupled-grating-induced transparency

We propose a compound plasmonic–dielectric system consisting of one-dimension metallic gratings made of core–shell membranes and a Si grating waveguide with periodic grooves on one side, to investigate the coupled-grating-induced transparency (CGIT) effect. Both elements of the system can support certain resonant modes respectively, which have almost identical resonant frequencies but highly different quality factors, which are demonstrated by a theory model and the coupled mode theory. The electromagnetic response of the compound plasmonic–dielectric system induces coupling between these two types of gratings resonators and causes a transparency phenomenon due to the destructive interference of the resonant modes. The results show that the CGIT effect is associated with remarkable improvement of the group index corresponding to high transmission efficiency.     

Single-photon all-optical switching using coupled microring resonators

We study the nonlinear phase response of a microring resonator coupled to a bus waveguide and the use of this nonlinear phase shift to store information in the microring resonator and enhance the switching characteristics of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). By introducing coupling between adjacent microring resonators, the switching characteristics of the MZI can be exponentially enhanced as a function of the number of microring resonators, when compared to the linear enhancement for uncoupled resonators. With only a few moderate-finesse microring resonators, the switching power can be reduced to attowatt level, allowing for photonic switching devices that operate at single-photon level in ordinary optical waveguides.      

Design of metaporous supercells by genetic algorithm for absorption optimization on a wide frequency band

The optimization of acoustic absorption by metaporous materials made of complex unit cells with 2D resonant inclusions is realized using genetic algorithm. A nearly total absorption over a wide frequency band can be obtained for thin structures, even for frequencies below the quarter wavelength resonances i.e., in a sub-wavelength regime. The high absorption performances of this material are due to the interplay of usual visco-thermal losses, local resonances and trapped modes. The density of resonant and trapped modes in this dissipative porous layer, is a key parameter for broadband absorption. The best configurations and critical coupling conditions are found by genetic algorithm optimization. Several types of resonators are included gradually in the studied configurations (split-rings, Helmholtz resonators, back cavities) with increasing complexity. The optimization leads to a metaporous structure with a 2-cm sub-wavelength layer thickness, exhibiting a nearly total absorption between 1800 Hz and 7000 Hz. The influence of the incidence angle on the absorption properties is also shown.     

Nonlinear optics in spheres: from second harmonic scattering to quasi‐phase matched generation in whispering gallery modes

Over the last fifteen years, a series of theoretical and experimental investigations have demonstrated the usefulness of circular geometries to tailor second‐order nonlinear optical effects. However, until recently, such effects have remained rather weak, calling for their enhancement. In parallel, developments in the field of high quality factor spherical or ring resonators have shown that many different types of light‐matter interactions can be dramatically amplified when light is coupled in the whispering gallery modes of such resonators. In high‐quality spherical micro‐resonators, close to one million interactions can occur between a nonlinear molecule and a circulating light pulse. Recent research on nonlinear optics in spherical geometry is reviewed, from micrometer‐size spheres to whispering gallery mode resonators.     

Miniaturization of Fresnel phase matching using a side-coupled integrated spaced sequence of resonators (SCISSOR)

It is proposed that a side-coupled integrated spaced sequence of resonators (SCISSOR) be used to adapt Fresnel phase matching to the case of highly confining waveguides. As is the case for bulk media, this method of quasi-phase-matching (QPM) allows resonant or nonresonant QPM. This property can be used to control the spectral bandwidth of the phase-matching curve.     

Ultra-compact terahertz switch with graphene ring resonators

We propose and numerically demonstrate a compact terahertz wave switch which is composed of two graphene waveguides and three graphene ring resonators. Changing the bias voltage of the Fermi level in the center graphene ring, the resonant mode can be tuned when the plasmon waves in the waveguides and rings are coupled. We theoretically explain their mechanisms as being due to bias voltage change induced carrier density of graphene modification and the coupling coefficients of graphene plasmon effect after carrier density change, respectively. The mechanism of such a terahertz wave switch is further theoretically analyzed and numerically investigated with the aid of the finite element method. With an appropriate design, the proposed device offers the opportunity to ‘tune' the terahertz wave ON–OFF with an ultra-fast, high extinction ratio and compact size. This structure has the potential applications in terahertz wave integrated circuits.     

Surface-roughness-induced contradirectional coupling in ring and disk resonators

Reflections that are due to random surface roughness in periodic structures such as dielectric rings and disks inherently phase match forward- and backward-propagating modes. Small reflections are thus considerably enhanced and may impair the performance of traveling-wave resonators. In addition, such contradirectional coupling leads to a splitting of the resonant peak. These effects are studied analytically.     

Resonant modes and inter-well coupling in photonic quantum well with negative index materials

The transfer matrix method was used to study the resonant modes in photonic quantum well by stacking different photonic crystals consisting of positive index materials and negative index materials. The eigenfrequency equation for the resonant modes is derived. It is found that these resonant modes are omnidirectional, and the number of resonant modes is equal to the period number of photonic quantum wells. Moreover, the resonant modes become N-fold splitting in the N photonic quantum wells. The splitting intervals increase with the deceasing of photonic barrier thickness due to the coupling among the wells.     

Improving Dielectric Nanoresonator Array Coatings for Solar Cells

Antireflection coatings based on dielectric nanosphere arrays are discussed in application to photovoltaic materials including silicon and gallium arsenide. Macro‐ and nanoscale characterizations and finite‐difference time‐domain calculations are performed, and demonstrate the enhanced optoelectronic properties. A significant absorptivity enhancement is achieved due to the collective resonant coupling of excited whispering gallery‐like modes and thin‐film interference effects. The resonant coupling is masked in macroscale measurements by the size variation of nanospheres, but it is clearly seen through imaging photocurrent at the nanoscale with near‐field scanning photocurrent microscopy. The resonant coupling can be effectively tuned by the material, configuration, or size of nanospheres. Hybrid coatings combining nanospheres of different materials yield the highest efficiency gain of more than 30%. The impact of manufacturing defects, such as double layer formation, is also evaluated. While the performance degrades, the antireflection coating still offers marked improvement in comparison with bare cells.     

Symmetric and antisymmetric modes of electromagnetic resonators

In this paper, we numerically study a new type of infrared resonator structure, whose unit cell consists of paired split-ring resonators (SRRs). At different resonant frequencies, the magnetic dipoles induced from the two SRRs within one unit cell can be parallel or antiparallel, which are defined as symmetric and antisymmetic modes, respectively. Detailed simulation indicates that the symmetric mode is due to magnetic coupling to resonators, in which the effective permeability could be negative. However, the antisymmetric mode originating from strong electric coupling may contribute to negative effective permittivity. Our new electromagnetic resonators with pronounced magnetic as well as electric responses could provide a new pathway to design negative index materials (NIMs) in the optical region. PACS 78.20.Ci; 73.20.Mf; 42.25.Bs     

Quasi-phase-matched grating characterization using minimum-phase functions

Measurement of the second-harmonic power generated by a quasi-phase-matched (QPM) grating as a function of the frequency detuning parameter yields the Fourier transform (FT) magnitude of the complex nonlinear coefficient profile along the QPM device. This FT magnitude can be measured by tuning either the wavelength of the fundamental laser beam or the temperature of the QPM grating. However, the measured magnitude of the FT cannot be unambiguously inverted without the FT phase to uniquely recover the complex nonlinear coefficient profile of the QPM grating. As we demonstrate in this work, this ambiguity can be completely eliminated by placing a stronger and thinner nonlinear sample against the input or output of the QPM device of interest and measuring the detuning curve of this composite structure. By construction, the nonlinear profile of this assembly has a sharp peak due to the thinner sample, followed by the weaker, broader profile of the QPM grating, which essentially constitutes a minimum-phase function. Therefore, its FT phase can be calculated uniquely from its measured FT magnitude, for example by applying to the FT amplitude the logarithmic Hilbert transform or an iterative error-reduction algorithm. This processing then enables the full recovery of the complex nonlinear coefficient profile of the QPM device from its measured detuning curve. In this paper, we demonstrate with numerical examples that this powerful new technique can accurately recover the period, envelope, and chirp parameters of any QPM grating.     

Generation of continuous-wave 243-nm radiation by sum-frequency mixing

We have generated tunable cw radiation near 243 nm with a linewidth of less than 4 MHz by sum-frequency mixing the 351 nm radiation from an argon-ion laser with the 789 nm radiation from a ring dye laser in a crystal of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate held at moderate temperature. An external ring cavity, resonant with the dye laser, gives a power enhancement of about 12 in the sum-frequency generated radiation. Thermal lensing due to laser heating of the nonlinear crystal, distorded the 351 nm mode structure. This effect could limit the efficiency of the sum frequency mixing process.     

Transient optical modulation properties in the terahertz metamaterial of split ring resonators

The ultrafast optical modulation properties of split ring resonators are characterized by utilizing optical pump-terahertz probe spectroscopy.The experimental results show that when the terahertz electric vector is perpendicular to the gap of the split ring resonator,resonant absorption can be quenched significantly under high pump excitation.However,when the terahertz electric vector is parallel to the gap,the resonant absorption is less sensitive to pump excitation due to the structural properties of the metamaterial.Our numerical simulations also demonstrate that the pump pulse significantly influences the split ring resonator current by generating carriers in the substrate.