An Introduction to Nonlinear Integrated Photonics: Structures and Devices

Abstract

The combination of integrated optics technologies with nonlinear photonics, which has led to growth of nonlinear integrated photonics, has also opened the way to groundbreaking new devices and applications. In a companion paper also submitted for publication in this journal, we introduce the main physical processes involved in nonlinear photonics applications and discuss the fundaments of this research area. The applications, on the other hand, have been made possible by availability of suitable materials with high nonlinear coefficients and/or by design of guided-wave structures that can enhance a material’s nonlinear properties. A summary of the traditional and innovative nonlinear materials is presented there. Here, we discuss the fabrication processes and integration platforms, referring to semiconductors, glasses, lithium niobate, and two-dimensional materials. Various waveguide structures are presented. In addition, we report several examples of nonlinear photonic integrated devices to be employed in optical communications, all-optical signal processing and computing, or in quantum optics. We aimed at offering a broad overview, even if, certainly, not exhaustive. However, we hope that the overall work will provide guidance for newcomers to this field and some hints to interested researchers for more detailed investigation of the present and future development of this hot and rapidly growing field.

An Introduction to Nonlinear Integrated Photonics Devices: Nonlinear Effects and Materials

“…For more information on photonic structures, their fabrication issues, and recent developments and new progress in nonlinear photonics devices and system integration, the interested readers are referred to a companion paper [ 154 ].…”

Emerging Trends, Applications, and Fabrication Techniques in Photonic Crystal Technology

“…These waveguides can guide and confine light within the photonic crystal structure, allowing for efficient and controlled light propagation. Photonic crystal waveguides are crucial for routing and manipulating light signals in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) [83,84].…”

Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro/Nanophotonic Devices in Europe

“…The combination of integrated optics technologies with nonlinear photonics, which has led to the growth of nonlinear integrated photonics, has also opened the way for groundbreaking new devices and applications. In this Special Issue, two companion review papers, dedicated to nonlinear photonics and aimed at offering a broad overview, are proposed [2,3]. In the former, the main physical processes involved in nonlinear photonics applications are introduced, starting from traditional second-order and third-order phenomena and progressing to ultrafast ones (self-and cross-phase modulation, supercontinuum generation, and optical solitons).…”

“…Various waveguide structures, fabrication processes, and integration platforms were discussed. Finally, a brief, and certainly not exhaustive, overview of nonlinear photonics devices was given; for simplicity, the examples were classified into three groups, each characterized by a common goal, even if quite broad: all-optical digital devices, devices for all-optical processing, and nonlinear light sources [3].…”