Spin-dependent coexistence of weakly coupled and strongly coupled modes in semiconductor microcavities

The dependence of the transition from the strong-coupling regime to the weak-coupling regime on the polariton spin orientation in a InGaAs semiconductor microcavity is experimental studied by means of time-resolved photoluminescence. Polaritons are created by non-resonant circularly-polarized optical excitation and the power intensity that breaks the strong coupling is found to be much lower for co-polarized polaritons than that for cross-polarized polaritons. Coulomb screening effects alone cannot explain the stronger loss of oscillator strength for majority excitons (co-polarized) and spin-dependent mechanisms are required to justify such behaviour.     

Time-resolved and cw photoluminescence from strongly coupled organic microcavities

The optical properties of microcavities (MCs) are strongly dependent on both polarization of incident and emitted light and its angle of observation. Here we report the measurements of cw- and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) observed at negative detuning and at resonance for s- and p-polarization in the strong coupling regime of a planar MC containing J-aggregates of a cyanine dye. Following non-resonant excitation, the emission spectra consist of three types of features: direct J-aggregate exciton emission, polariton emission, and uncoupled monomer emission through the transmission maxima of the distributed Bragg reflector beyond the stop-band. We compare our experimental results with a transfer-matrix calculation of the transmission for s- and p-polarization and explain the different positions of the polariton branches, the stop-band width, and the high- and low energy transmission maxima of the MC. Time-resolved PL experiments show an increase in the decay lifetime of the exciton-like mode when it is positioned far from the cavity mode. Close to resonance, the lower polariton branch decays with the natural lifetime of the J-aggregates.     

Bottom‐up engineering of diamond micro‐ and nano‐structures

Engineering nanostructures from the bottom up enables the creation of carefully sculpted complex structures that are not accessible via top down fabrication techniques, in particular, complex periodic structures for applications in photonics and sensing. In this work a proof of principle that bottom up approach can be adopted and utilized for sculpting devices from diamond is proposed and demonstrated. A realization of periodic structures is achieved by growing nanoscale single crystal diamond through a defined pattern. Optical wave‐guiding of a narrow band emission attributed to the SiV defects in diamond is demonstrated by overgrowth on a thin diamond membrane. In addition, an array of hexagonal microdisks with diameter sizes ranging from 1 to 4 μm is demonstrated. The bottom up approach for diamond opens up new avenues for devices fabrication and sculpting three dimensional structures.     

Frequency characteristics of a linear two-mode laser with anisotropic coupled resonators

On the basis of the general method of calculation of linear weakly coupled anisotropic resonators, we obtained specific analytical expressions for the beat frequency between orthogonally polarized waves in resonators that contain a phase anisotropic plate in the active part and a polarizer in the passive part. We carried out experimental investigations. Good qualitative and quantitative agreement between theory and experiment is established. To whom correspondence should be addressed. Belarusian State Polytechnic Academy, 65, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220027, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 565–568, July–August, 1999.     

Mode splitting and multiple-wavelength managements of surface plasmon polaritons in coupled cavities

Resonance cavity is a basic element in optics,which has wide applications in optical devices.Coupled cavities(CCs)designed in metal-insulator-metal(MIM)bus waveguide are investigated through the finite difference time domain method and coupled-mode theory.In the CCs,the resonant modes of the surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)split with the thickness decreasing of the middle baffle.Through the coupled-mode theory analysis,it is found that the phase differences introduced in opposite and positive couplings between two cavities lead to mode splitting.The resonant wavelength of positive coupling mode can be tuned in a large range(about 644 nm)through adjusting the coupling strength,which is quite different from the classical adjustment of the optical path in a single cavity.Based on the resonances of the CCs in the MIM waveguide,more compact devices can be designed to manipulate SPPs propagation.A device is designed to realize flexible multiple-wavelength SPPs routing.The coupling in CC structures can be applied to the design of easy-integrated laser cavities,filters,multiple-wavelength management devices in SPPs circuits,nanosensors,etc.     

Silicon multi‐meta‐holograms for the broadband visible light

The dielectric metasurface hologram promises higher efficiencies due to lower absorption than its plasmonic counterpart. However, it has only been used, up to now, for controlling linear‐polarization photons to form single‐plane holographic images in the near‐infrared region. Here, we report a transmission‐type metahologram achieving images in three colors, free from high‐order diffraction and twin‐image issues, with 8‐level modulation of geometric phase by controlling photon spin via precisely patterned Si nanostructures with varying orientations. The resulting real and virtual holographic images with spin dependence of incident photons natively enable the spin degeneracy removal of light, leading to a metahologram‐enabled spin Hall effect of light. Low‐absorption dielectrics also enable us to create holograms for short‐wavelength light down to 480 nm, thus spanning the three primary colors. It possesses the potential for compact color‐display chips using mature semiconductor processes, and holds significant advantages over previous metaholograms operating at longer wavelengths.

     

Characteristics of a dual‐radio‐frequency cylindrical inductively coupled plasma

The plasma parameters such as electron density, effective electron temperature, plasma potential, and uniformity are investigated in a new dual‐frequency cylindrical inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source operating at two frequencies (2 and 13.56 MHz) and two antennas (a two‐turn high‐frequency antenna and a six‐turn low‐frequency (LF) antenna). It is found that the electron density increases with 2 MHz power, whereas the electron temperature and plasma potential decrease with 2 MHz power at a fixed 13.56 MHz power. Moreover, the plasma uniformity can be improved by adjusting the LF power. These results indicate that a dual‐frequency synergistic discharge in a cylindrical ICP can produce a high‐density, low‐potential, low‐effective‐electron‐temperature, and uniform plasma.     

Normal‐Mode Splitting in a Weakly Coupled Electromechanical System with a Mechanical Modulation

Normal‐mode splitting (NMS) is one of the most significant manifestations of strongly coupled systems. Here, NMS is shown to occur in a weakly coupled electromechanical system. In this system, an exponentially enhanced electromechanical coupling is obtained by periodically modulating the electromechanical interaction and the mechanical spring constant. Under the mechanical modulation, an obvious NMS can occur in the fluctuation spectra of the mechanical oscillator's displacement and the output field. Besides, the Stokes and anti‐Stokes fields can also display an obvious NMS. Interestingly, the Stokes field can be changed from full absorption to significant amplification, and the anti‐Stokes field can also be enhanced significantly. Another novel feature of the results is that the intensity between the two peaks in NMS is almost zero, which means that the two peaks can be well resolved in experiments. This work presents an effective method for the generation of a well‐resolved NMS in a weakly coupled system.     

Chemical‐assisted femtosecond laser writing of optical resonator arrays

The design of micro‐optical resonator arrays are introduced and tailored towards refractive index sensing applications, building on the previously unexplored benefits of open dielectric stacks. The resonant coupling of identical hollow cavities present strong and narrow spectral resonance bands beyond that available with a single Fabry Perot interferometer. Femtosecond laser irradiation with selective chemical etching is applied to precisely fabricate stacked and waveguide‐coupled open resonators into fused silica, taking advantage of small 12 nm rms surface roughness made available by the self‐alignment of nanograting planes. Refractive index sensing of methanol‐water solutions confirm a very attractive sensing resolution of 6.5 × 10⁻⁵ RIU. Such high finesse optical elements open a new realm of optofluidic sensing and integrated optical circuit concepts for detecting minute changes in sample properties against a control solution that may find importance in chemical and biological sensors, telecom sensing networks, biomedical probes, and low‐cost health care products.

     

Oscillation characteristics of a coupled unidirectional ring resonators with photorefractive crystals

For a coupled unidirectional photorefractive ring resonator (UPRR), the oscillation characteristics have been studied in details in terms of the photoconductive and dielectric constant of the photorefractive (PR) crystals under the assumption of the plane-wave approximation based on non-degenerate two-wave mixing in the photorefractive materials. It has been found that the steady oscillations are possible when the two resonators oscillate independently. Using the plane-wave approximation and steady state oscillation conditions, the effect of the frequency detuning, photoconductivity and dielectric constant of the PR crystals on the relative intensity and frequency of oscillation of the secondary resonator in the coupled UPRR have been studied. It has been found that the relative oscillation frequency of the secondary resonator could be enhanced by selecting PR crystal A of higher absorption strength relative to PR crystal B and the higher photoconductivity of the crystals B as compared to that of the crystal A. Due to the non-reciprocal energy transfer between the oscillating beams and the additional PR phase-shift in the PR crystals A and B, the magnitude of the relative oscillation frequency of the secondary resonator could be controlled by the absorption strength, dielectric constant and photoconductivity of the two crystals.     

Enhanced light‐vapor interactions and all optical switching in a chip scale micro‐ring resonator coupled with atomic vapor

The coupling of atomic and photonic resonances serves as an important tool for enhancing light‐matter interactions and enables the observation of multitude of fascinating and fundamental phenomena. Here, by exploiting the platform of atomic‐cladding wave guides, the resonant coupling of rubidium vapor and an atomic cladding micro ring resonator is experimentally demonstrated. Specifically, cavity‐atom coupling in the form of Fano resonances having a distinct dependency on the relative frequency detuning between the photonic and the atomic resonances is observed. Moreover, significant enhancement of the efficiency of all optical switching in the V‐type pump‐probe scheme is demonstrated. The coupled system of micro‐ring resonator and atomic vapor is a promising building block for a variety of light vapor experiments, as it offers a very small footprint, high degree of integration and extremely strong confinement of light and vapor. As such it may be used for important applications, such as all optical switching, dispersion engineering (e.g. slow and fast light) and metrology, as well as for the observation of important effects such as strong coupling, and Purcell enhancement.

     

Analysis and engineering of coupled cavity waveguides based on coupled-mode theory

The analytical expression for the transmission spectra of coupled cavity waveguides （CCWs） in photonic crystals （PCs） is derived based on the coupled-mode theory （CMT）. Parameters in the analytical expression can be extracted by simple numerical simulations. We reveal that it is the phase shift between the two adjacent PC defects that uniquely determines the flatness of the impurity bands of CCWs. In addition, it is found that the phase shift also greatly affects the bandwidth of CCWs. Thus, the engineering of the impurity bands of CCWs can be realized through the adjustment of the phase shift. Based on the theoretical results, an interesting phenomenon in which a CCW acts as a single PC defect and its impurity band possesses a Lorentz lineshape is predicted. Very good agreement between the analytical results and the numerical simulations based on transfer matrix method has been achieved.     

Whispering‐gallery microcavities with unidirectional laser emission

Optical whispering‐gallery mode (WGM) microcavities featuring ultrahigh Q factors and small mode volumes enhance significantly the interaction between light and matter, becoming an excellent platform for achieving ultralow‐threshold microlasers. However, the emission of traditional WGMs is isotropic due to the rotational symmetry of cavity geometries, which hinders the potential photonics applications. In this review, the progress in WGM microcavities towards unidirectional laser emission is summarized. When a subwavelength scatterer is placed on the boundary of the microcavity, the unidirectional emission occurs due to the collimation effect of the microcavity‐enhanced scattering field. Furthermore, microcavities deformed from the circular shapes can not only produce the chaos‐assisted unidirectional emission, but also maintain high Q factors by special design and fabrication processes. Finally, gratings along the circumference of the WGM microdisk or microring can scatter the WGMs in the vertical direction. The review also lists several important applications of these types of microcavities, such as wide‐band laser illumination source, free‐space coupling, evanescent‐field enhancement, optical energy storage, and sensing.

     

Electro‐optic Polymer Ring Resonator Modulator on a Flat Silicon‐on‐Insulator

Optical polymers are a promising material of choice in the development of hybrid silicon photonics devices. Particularly, recent progress in electro‐optic (EO) active polymers has shown a strong Pockels effect. A ring resonator modulator is a vital building block for practical applications, such as signal processing, routing, and monitoring. However, the properties of the hybrid silicon and EO polymer ring modulators are still far from their theoretical limits. Here, we demonstrate a unique design of a hybrid ring resonator modulator simply located onto a silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) substrate. Extra doping and etching of the SOI wafer is not required, even so we measured an in‐device electro‐optic coefficient r₃₃ = 129 pm/V. The ring modulator exhibited a high sensitivity of the electrically tunable resonance, which enabled a 3 dB bandwidth of up to 18 GHz. The proposed technique will enable efficient mass‐production of the micro‐footprint modulators and promote the development of integrated silicon photonics.     

Spectral interferences from polyatomic barium ions in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

For the Element2 (a relatively new high-sensitivity magnetic sector ICP MS), we have studied spectral interferences from barium arising as a result of polyatomic barium ions, which have a considerable effect on the intensity of lines for rare-earth isotopes. We have shown that the parameters characterizing the interferences (the ratios of the signals from oxygen-containing, chlorine-containing, and fluorine-containing BaX⁺ ions to the Ba⁺ signal, and the apparent rare-earth concentrations C_{app j} resulting when overlap from polyatomic Ba occurs) are higher for the Element2 than for a quadrupole instrument (PQ2⁺). However, it is possible to solve many spectral overlap problems when using the Element2 by using the medium-resolution (MR) or high-resolution (HR) modes. We have estimated the resolutions needed to completely separate the masses of the polyatomic barium ions and the rare-earth isotopes in the spectrum. For cases when it is impossible to use the high-resolution mode due to the ∼100-fold decrease in sensitivity, we recommend preliminary separation of Ba from the rare earths. In this work, we have used extraction chromatography to determine low rare-earth concentration levels in Lake Baikal water. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 6, pp. 813–818, November–December, 2006.     

Continuously coupled unstable resonators: problem of large output beam divergence

A problem which arises when one considers continuously coupled unstable resonators is that the beam divergence due to geometrical effects is usually large. This note describes a simple remedy which can be applied in most cases.     

Optical Chirality from Dark‐Field Illumination of Planar Plasmonic Nanostructures

Dark‐field illumination is shown to make planar chiral nanoparticle arrangements exhibit circular dichroism in extinction, analogous to true chiral scatterers. Single oligomers, consisting rotationally symmetric arrangements of gold nanorods, are experimentally observed to exhibit circular dichrosim at their maximum scattering with strong agreement to numerical simulation. A dipole model is developed to show that this effect is caused by a difference in the projection of a nanorod onto the handed orientation of electric fields created by a circularly polarized dark‐field normally incident on a glass‐air interface. Owing to this geometric origin, the wavelength of the peak chiral response is experimentally shown to shift depending on the separation between nanoparticles. All presented oligomers have physical dimensions less than the operating wavelength, and the applicable extension to closely packed planar arrays of oligomers is demonstrated to amplify the magnitude of circular dichroism. This realization of strong chirality in these oligomers demonstrates a new path to engineer optical chirality from planar devices using dark‐field illumination.     

A Lotus shaped acoustofluidic mixer: High throughput homogenisation of liquids in 2 ms using hydrodynamically coupled resonators

This paper presents an acoustically actuated microfluidic mixer that uses an array of hydrodynamically coupled resonators to rapidly homogenise liquid solutions and synthesise nanoparticles. The system relies on 8 identical oscillating cantilevers that are equally spaced on the perimeter of a circular well, through which the liquid solutions are introduced. When an oscillatory electrical signal is applied to a piezoelectric transducer attached to the device, the cantilevers start resonating. Due to the close proximity between the cantilevers, their circular arrangement and the liquid medium in which they are immersed, the vibration of each cantilever affects the response of its neighbours. The streaming fields and shearing rates resulting from the oscillating structures were characterised. It was shown that the system can be used to effectively mix fluids at flow rates up to 1400 µl.min⁻¹ in time scales as low as 2 ms. The rapid mixing time is especially advantageous for nanoparticle synthesis, which is demonstrated by synthesising Poly lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles with 52.2 nm size and PDI of 0.44.