Polarization control of light waves is an important technique in optical communication and signal processing. On-chip polarization rotation from the fundamental transverse-electric (TE) mode to the fundamental transverse-magnetic (TM) mode is usually difficult because of their large effective refractive index difference. Here, we demonstrate an on-chip wideband polarization rotator designed with a genetic algorithm to convert the TE mode into the TM mode within a footprint of 0.96 μm ×4.2 μm. In simulation, the optimized structure achieves polarization rotation with a minimum conversion loss of 0.7 dB and the 1-dB bandwidth of 157 nm. Experimentally, our fabricated devices have demonstrated the expected polarization rotation with a conversion loss of ∼2.5 dB in the measured wavelength range of 1440-1580 nm, where the smallest value reaches ∼2 dB. The devices can serve as a generic approach and standard module for controlling light polarization in integrated photonic circuitry.
As the power consumption of various electronic devices is gradually reduced to milliwatt or even microwatt level, it is possible to achieve self‐powered electronic devices by obtaining weak energy from the environment. In this article, a hybrid nanogenerator that contains two working parts, —the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in sliding independent layer mode and the electromagnetic generator (EMG) in rotating mode, is reported. The hybrid generator can effectively broaden the output voltage range while shortening the voltage boost time. After polishing the surface of nylon film with different mesh sandpaper, the maximum increase of output voltage and current can reach 60% and 80%, respectively. When the wind speed is 9 m s–1, the maximum average output power values of TENG and EMG are 0.33 and 32.87 mW, respectively. Also the hybrid nanogenerator can stably power 200 light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and hygro‐thermograph after working for 2 s. Compared with the method of supplying power to electronic devices after a long period of energy storage, the triboelectric‐electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator that is designed can realize real‐time power supply for wireless sensor nodes and Bluetooth modules at a wind speed of 10.5 m s–1, and the voltage at both ends is always maintained dynamic equilibrium.
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