Scalable Functionalization of Optical Fibers Using Atomically Thin Semiconductors

Abstract

The light-matter interaction length in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) [1,2] on planar substrates is restricted to sub-nanometers due to their miniscule thickness. Atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides are highly promising for integrated optoelectronic and photonic systems due to their exciton-driven linear and nonlinear interactions with light. Integrating them into optical fibers yields novel opportunities in optical communication, remote sensing, and all-fiber optoelectronics. However, the scalable and reproducible deposition of high-quality monolayers on optical fibers is a challenge. Here, the chemical vapor deposition of monolayer MoS 2 and WS 2 crystals on the core of microstructured exposed-core optical fibers and their interaction with the fibers' guided modes are reported. Two distinct application possibilities of 2D-functionalized waveguides to exemplify their potential are demonstrated. First, the excitonic 2D material photoluminescence is simultaneously excited and collected with the fiber modes, opening a novel route to remote sensing. Then it is shown that third-harmonic generation is modified by the highly localized nonlinear polarization of the monolayers, yielding a new avenue to tailor nonlinear optical processes in fibers. It is anticipated that the results may lead to significant advances in optical-fiber-based technologies.

Optical Harmonic Generation in 2D Materials

“…In another study, [ 347 ] MoS 2 is grown alongside the core of an optical fiber. TMD coated ECF (exposed core optical fiber) provides higher THG signals as compared to a bare ECF as there is large enhancement in nonlinear light matter interaction inside the TMD coated ECF.…”

Nanoscale nonlinear plasmonics in photonic waveguides and circuits

“…The role of plasmonics in enhancing the performance of such 2D materials has been the topic of recent reviews [280,281], and it is only a matter of time before guided-wave hybrid nonlinear plasmonic devices, enhanced by 2D materials, integrate with PICs to unlock record-level ultrafast nonlinear effects in an accessible manner. Photonic-plasmonic-2D circuits are now starting to appear [282], albeit in a different context, and current fabrication capabilities enable a scalable approach for including 2D materials on large-area waveguides [283,284].…”

Mode-center Placement of Monolayer WS$_{2}$ in a Photonic Polymer Waveguide

“…19,20 To date, most hybrid systems with an optically coupled 2D material realize placement away from the photonic mode maximum (off-center placement) or at a dielectric interface, e.g. close to an exposed fiber core, 21,22 at the end-face of an optical fiber, 23 or on top of a waveguide in integrated photonics. [24][25][26][27][28] Previously, we have demonstrated integration of a TMD into an elastomeric ridge waveguide.…”