Nonlinear responses in optical metamaterials: theory and experiment

Abstract

We employed both theoretical calculations and experiments to study the nonlinear responses in optical metamaterials. The spectra of second-harmonic generations measured on a fishnet metamaterial are in quantitative agreements with calculations based on full-wave numerical simulations combined with field integrations, both exhibiting ~80 times enhancements at the magnetic resonance frequency. Our calculations explained several interesting features observed experimentally, and suggested an optimal metamaterial structure to yield the strongest nonlinear signals.

Ultrafast control of third-order optical nonlinearities in fishnet metamaterials

“…The development of new nonlinear media for optical radiation is therefore crucial for applications in all-optical switching, and metallic metamaterials may represent a potential source of large plasmonic nonlinearities. Following the basic concepts of local-field-enhanced metal nonlinearities1718, plasmon-enhanced harmonic generation and wave mixing19202122 have been observed in metamaterials and plasmonic nanosystems. Most importantly, the symmetry of nanostructured metamaterial may give rise to new nonlinear contributions because of its specific geometry2324 or the specific symmetry of the currents of magnetic resonances25262728.…”

Broadband metamaterial perfect absorber obtained by coupling effect

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The usefulness of electromagnetic wave absorbers in improving performance of bolometers, 7 energy harvesting, 13 and nonlinear optics. 12,14 However, the MPAs often tend to a narrow absorption bandwidth due to their resonant property, though many e®orts including by optimizing structure design have been made the broadband MPAs. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] To achieve a broadband MPA, a common and strategic way is to combine several sub-unit element resonators with various sizes together.…”

Phase matching for surface plasmon enhanced second harmonic generation in a gold grating slab

“…Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) in metallic nanostructures and nanoparticles has received renewed interest lately 1,2 . In addition to producing localized electromagnetic fields, periodic arrangements of subwavelength, polarizable elements have also been shown to produce a variety of anomalous properties, such as negative refractive index 3 and zero index 4 that could result in advantageous phase matching processes not easily obtained with natural materials.…”