All-optical signal processing at 10 GHz using a photonic crystal molecule

Abstract

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

An efficient all-optical gate based on photonic crystals cavities and applications

“…We discuss dynamics, all-optical modulation and frequency conversion at a fast repetition rate (10 GHz). [10]. The interest in the PhC/InP approach has been confirmed by the recent results from DTU, who demonstrated all-optical signal processing [13] and LPN, who introduced hybrid Silicon-InP cavities and demonstrated fast processing [14].…”

“…Indium Phosphide photonic crystal cavities have been demonstrated by us and by DTU [10], [11], [12] providing large switching contrast and a fairly fast dynamics, with a typical two time constant relaxation, first observed by NTT in silicon and InGaAsP PhC cavities [9]. In this talk we will focus on the properties of the so-called "photon molecules", resulting form the coupling of two photonic cavities.…”

Ultrafast all-optical modulation using a photonic-crystal Fano structure with broken symmetry

“…In that work it was also found that the nonmonotonous frequency dependence of the Fano transmission spectrum implies an inherent reduction of patterning effects. In contrast, a Lorentzian spectrum, with its monotonously varying tails, faithfully converts (slow) dynamics of the resonance shift into amplitude modulation, limiting the bitrate due to the long carrier lifetime [7][8][9][10][11].Here we experimentally demonstrate that by breaking the symmetry of a Fano structure, the switching properties can be further improved. Furthermore, by employing a nanocavity of the H0-type, which has the smallest mode volume of all known PhC defect cavities [2], we are able to further decrease the switching energy.…”

“…In that work it was also found that the nonmonotonous frequency dependence of the Fano transmission spectrum implies an inherent reduction of patterning effects. In contrast, a Lorentzian spectrum, with its monotonously varying tails, faithfully converts (slow) dynamics of the resonance shift into amplitude modulation, limiting the bitrate due to the long carrier lifetime [7][8][9][10][11].…”

Fano resonance control in a photonic crystal structure and its application to ultrafast switching

“…Other improvements are possible, e.g. the combination with multi-mode 7,34 and multi-port 35 designs to relieve the pump-signal crosstalk limitation as well as employing quaternary InGaAsP material, where carriers are generated through a combination of two-photon and linear absorption 4 , significantly reducing the energy consumption. Considering that the device properties are governed by a quite general coupled mode formalism, we believe that the investigated Fano resonances can be realized using a wide range of structures such as micro-disk or micro-ring resonators 32 .…”