We show that a semiconductor nanocavity where the dominant nonlinear mechanism is the refractive index change induced by carriers generated through two-photon absorption can become unstable, exhibiting the onset of spontaneous oscillations (self-pulsing). The linear stability analysis, validated through numerical integration of a mean-field model, leads us to predict oscillations to take place typically in the 10-ps range at input power levels of the order of 15 mW

We show that passive Kerr resonators pumped close to zero dispersion wavelengths on the normal dispersion side can develop the resonant generation of linear waves driven by cavity (mixed dispersive-dissipative) shock waves. The resonance mechanism can be successfully described in the framework of the generalized Lugiato-Lefever equation with higher-order dispersive terms. Substantial differences with radiation from cavity solitons and purely dispersive shock waves dispersion are highlighted.

Nondiffractive and nondispersive localized waves with narrow bandwidth are investigated theoretically as solutions of the linear scalar wave equation for normally dispersive media. By employing a Fourier approach, we study how the features of the linear dispersion relationship, i.e., the transverse wave number as a function of frequency, change as a function of the parameters of the wave and the medium (dispersion). We classify the localized waves accordingly and give their explicit expressions in those special cases which allow \ud us to solve the Fourier-Bessel integral that yields the general representation of such waves

Using a sensitive two-color heterodyne pump-probe technique, we investigate the carrier dynamics of an InP photonic crystal nanocavity. The heterodyne technique provides unambiguous results for all wavelength configurations, including the degenerate case, which cannot be investigated with the widely used homodyne technique. A model based on coupled mode theory including two carrier distributions is introduced to account for the relaxation dynamics, which is assumed to be governed by both diffusion and recombination

We report on 10 GHz operation of an all-optical gate based on an Indium Phosphide Photonic Crystal Molecule. Wavelength conversion and all-optical mixing of microwave signals are demonstrated using the 2 mW output of a mode locked diode laser. The spectral separation of the optical pump and signal is crucial in suppressing optical cross-talk