arXiv subjects

Jesper Mørk

Publications and source records attributed to Jesper Mørk.

71 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2014

Hybrid vertical-cavity laser with lateral emission into a silicon waveguide

We experimentally demonstrate an optically-pumped III-V/Si vertical-cavity laser with lateral emission into a silicon waveguide. This on-chip hybrid laser comprises a distributed Bragg reflector, a III-V active layer, and a high-contrast grating reflector, which simultaneously funnels light into the waveguide integrated with the laser. This laser has the advantages of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, such as low threshold and high side-mode suppression ratio, while allowing integration with silicon photonic circuits, and is fabricated using CMOS-compatible processes. It has the potential for ultrahigh-speed operation beyond 100 Gbit/s and features a novel mechanism for transverse mode control.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Nonreciprocal transmission in a photonic-crystal Fano structure enabled by symmetry breaking

Nanostructures that feature nonreciprocal light transmission are highly desirable building blocks for realizing photonic integrated circuits. Here, a simple and ultra-compact photonic-crystal structure, where a waveguide is coupled to a single nanocavity, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, showing very efficient optical diode functionality. The key novelty of the structure is the use of a Fano resonance in combination with spatial symmetry breaking and cavity enhanced material nonlinearities to realize non-reciprocal propagation effects at ultra-low power and with a good wavelength tunability. The nonlinearity of the device relies on ultrafast carrier dynamics, rather than the thermal effects usually considered, allowing the demonstration of nonreciprocal operation at a bit-rate of 10 Gbit/s with a low energy consumption of 4.5 fJ/bit.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Scattering of two photons on a quantum emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide: Exact dynamics and induced correlations

We develop a wavefunction approach to describe the scattering of two photons on a quantum emitter embedded in a one-dimensional waveguide. Our method allows us to calculate the exact dynamics of the complete system at all times, as well as the transmission properties of the emitter. We show that the non-linearity of the emitter with respect to incoming photons depends strongly on the emitter excitation and the spectral shape of the incoming pulses, resulting in transmission of the photons which depends crucially on their separation and width. In addition, for counter-propagating pulses, we analyze the induced level of quantum correlations in the scattered state, and we show that the emitter behaves as a non-linear beam-splitter when the spectral width of the photon pulses is similar to the emitter decay rate.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

A roundtrip matrix method for calculating the leaky resonant modes of open nanophotonic structures

We present a numerical method for calculating quasi-normal modes of open nanophotonic structures. The method is based on scattering matrices and a unity eigenvalue of the roundtrip matrix of an internal cavity, and we develop it in detail with electromagnetic fields expanded on Bloch modes of periodic structures. This procedure is simpler to implement numerically and more intuitive than previous scattering matrix methods, and any routine based on scattering matrices can benefit from the method. We demonstrate the calculation of quasi-normal modes for two-dimensional photonic crystals where cavities are side-coupled and in-line-coupled to an infinite W1 waveguide and show that the scattering spectrum of these types of cavities can be reconstructed from the complex quasi-normal mode frequency.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Nonlinear switching dynamics in a photonic-crystal nanocavity

We measure the nonlinear switching dynamics of an InP photonic crystal nanocavity for different pulse energies and wavelengths relative to the cavity resonance and observe saturation of the switching contrast and broadening of the switching window. The effects are analyzed by comparison with nonlinear coupled mode theory and explained in terms of large dynamical variations of the cavity resonance. The results are important for applications in optical signal processing and provide insight into the nonlinear optical processes that govern the dynamics of the refractive index and the absorption.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Slow-light enhanced gain in active photonic crystal waveguides

Slow light is a fascinating physical effect, raising fundamental questions related to our understanding of light-matter interactions as well as offering new possibilities for photonic devices. From the first demonstrations of slow light propagation in ultra-cold atomic gasses, solid-state Ruby and photonic crystal structures, focus has shifted to applications, with slow light offering the ability to enhance and control light-matter interactions. The demonstration of tuneable delay lines, enhanced nonlinearities and spontaneous emission, enlarged spectral sensitivity and increased phase shifts illustrate the possibilities enabled by slow light propagation, with microwave photonics emerging as one of the promising applications. Here, we demonstrate that slow light can be used to control and increase the gain coefficient of an active semiconductor waveguide. The effect was theoretically predicted but not yet experimentally demonstrated. These results show a route towards realizing ultra-compact optical amplifiers for linear and nonlinear applications in integrated photonics and prompts further research into the rich physics of such structures.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

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

Fano resonances appear in quantum mechanical as well as classical systems as a result of the interference between two paths: one involving a discrete resonance and the other a continuum. Compared to a conventional resonance, characterized by a Lorentzian spectral response, the characteristic asymmetric and sharp spectral response of a Fano resonance is suggested to enable photonic switches and sensors with superior characteristics. While experimental demonstrations of the appearance of Fano resonances have been made in both plasmonic and photonic-crystal structures, the control of these resonances is experimentally challenging, often involving the coupling of near-resonant cavities. Here, we experimentally demonstrate two simple structures that allow surprisingly robust control of the Fano spectrum. One structure relies on controlling the amplitude of one of the paths and the other uses symmetry breaking. Short-pulse dynamic measurements show that besides drastically increasing the switching contrast, the transmission dynamics itself is strongly affected by the nature of the resonance. The influence of slow-recovery tails implied by a long carrier lifetime can thus be reduced using a Fano resonance due to a hitherto unrecognized reshaping effect of the nonlinear Fano transfer function. For the first time, we present a system application of a Fano structure, demonstrating its advantages by the experimental realization of 10 Gbit/s all-optical modulation with bit-error-ratios on the order of 10$^{-7}$ for input powers less than 1 mW. These results represent a significant improvement compared to the use of a conventional Lorentzian resonance.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Three-dimensional integral equation approach to light scattering, extinction cross sections, local density of states and quasinormal modes

We present a numerical formalism for solving the Lippmann-Schwinger equation for the electric field in three dimensions. The formalism may be applied to scatterers of different shapes and embedded in different background media, and we develop it in detail for the specific case of spherical scatterers in a homogeneous background medium. In addition, we show how several physically important quantities may readily be calculated with the formalism. These quantities include the extinction cross section, the total Green's tensor, the projected local density of states and the Purcell factor as well as the quasinormal modes of leaky resonators with the associated resonance frequencies and quality factors. We demonstrate the calculations for the well-known plasmonic dimer consisting of two silver nanoparticles and thus illustrate the versatility of the formalism for use in modeling of advanced nanophotonic devices.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Dynamical properties of nanolasers based on few discrete emitters

We investigate the dynamical properties of nanolasers comprising a few two-level emitters coupled to an optical cavity. A set of rate equations is derived, which agree very well with a solution of the full master equation model and makes it simple to investigate the properties of the system. Using a linearized version of these rate equations, we can analytically express the response of the nanolaser to a modulation of the pumping rate. These results are compared to the modulation response obtained directly from the master equation using a novel method. Using the rate equation method, we calculate the modulation bandwidth and show that, contrary to conventional semiconductor lasers, the nanolaser is typically over-damped and displays a dip in the modulation bandwidth as the two-level systems become inverted. Both these features can be traced back to the modeling of the emitters as two-level systems that are incoherently pumped.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

An Anderson-localized random nanolaser

Precision is a virtue throughout science in general and in optics in particular where carefully fabricated nanometer-scale devices hold great promise for both classical and quantum photonics [1-6]. In such nanostructures, unavoidable imperfections often impose severe performance limits but, in certain cases, disorder may enable new functionalities [7]. Here we demonstrate on-chip random nanolasers where the cavity feedback is provided by the intrinsic disorder in a semiconductor photonic-crystal waveguide, leading to Anderson localization of light [8]. This enables highly efficient and broadband tunable lasers with very small mode volumes. We observe an intriguing interplay between gain, dispersion-controlled slow light, and disorder, which determines the cross-over from ballistic transport to Anderson localization. Such a behavior is a unique feature of non-conservative random media that enables the demonstration of all-optical control of random lasing. Our statistical analysis shows a way towards ultimate thresholdless random nanolasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

The photonic trumpet: An efficient, broadband interface between a solid-state quantum emitter and a Gaussian beam

We introduce the photonic trumpet, a dielectric structure which ensures a nearly perfect coupling between an embedded quantum light source and a Gaussian free-space beam. A photonic trumpet exploits both the broadband spontaneous emission control provided by a single-mode photonic wire and the adiabatic expansion of this mode within a conical taper. Numerical simulations highlight the outstanding performance and robustness of this concept. As a first application in the field of quantum optics, we report the realisation of an ultra-bright single-photon source. The device, a GaAs photonic trumpet containing few InAs quantum dots, demonstrates a first-lens external efficiency of $0.75 \pm 0.1$.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Fundamental limitations to gain enhancement in periodic media and waveguides

A common strategy to compensate for losses in optical nanostructures is to add gain material in the system. By exploiting slow-light effects it is expected that the gain may be enhanced beyond its bulk value. Here we show that this route cannot be followed uncritically: inclusion of gain inevitably modifies the underlying dispersion law, and thereby may degrade the slow-light properties underlying the device operation and the anticipated gain enhancement itself. This degradation is generic; we demonstrate it for three different systems of current interest (coupled resonator optical waveguides, Bragg stacks, and photonic crystal waveguides). Nevertheless, a small amount of added gain may be beneficial.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2011

Spontaneous emission from large quantum dots in nanostructures: exciton-photon interaction beyond the dipole approximation

We derive a rigorous theory of the interaction between photons and spatially extended excitons confined in quantum dots in inhomogeneous photonic materials. We show that, beyond the dipole approximation, the radiative decay rate is proportional to a non-local interaction function, which describes the interaction between light and spatially extended excitons. In this regime, light and matter degrees of freedom cannot be separated and a complex interplay between the nanostructured optical environment and the exciton envelope function emerges. We illustrate this by specific examples and derive a series of important analytical relations, which are useful for applying the formalism to practical problems. In the dipole limit, the decay rate is proportional to the projected local density of optical states and we obtain the strong and weak confinement regimes as special cases.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Nonlinear carrier dynamics in a quantum dash optical amplifier

Results of experimental pump-probe spectroscopy of a quantum dash optical amplifier biased at transparency are presented. Using strong pump pulses we observe a competition between free carrier absorption and two-photon induced stimulated emission that can have drastic effects on the transmission dynamics. Thus, both enhancement as well as suppression of the transmission can be observed even when the amplifier is biased at transparency. A simple theoretical model taking into account two-photon absorption and free carrier absorption is presented that shows good agreement with the measurements.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Bloch-wave engineering of quantum dot-micropillars for cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments

We have employed Bloch-wave engineering to realize submicron diameter ultra-high quality factor GaAs/AlAs micropillars (MPs). The design features a tapered cavity in which the fundamental Bloch mode is subject to an adiabatic transition to match the Bragg mirror Bloch mode. The resulting reduced scattering loss leads to record-high visibility of the strong coupling in MPs with modest oscillator strength quantum dots. A quality factor of 13,600 and a Rabi splitting of 85 \mueV with an estimated visibility v of 0.38 are observed for a small mode volume MP with a diameter dc of 850 nm.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2011

Coherent single-photon absorption by single emitters coupled to 1D nanophotonic waveguides

We study the dynamics of single-photon absorption by a single emitter coupled to a one-dimensional waveguide that simultaneously provides channels for spontaneous emission decay and a channel for the input photon. We have developed a time-dependent theory that allows us to specify any input single-photon wavepacket guided by the waveguide as initial condition, and calculate the excitation probability of the emitter, as well as the time evolution of the transmitted and reflected field. For single-photon wavepackets with a gaussian spectrum and temporal shape, we obtain analytical solutions for the dynamics of absorption, with maximum atomic excitation $\thicksim 40%$. We furthermore propose a terminated waveguide to aid the single-photon absorption. We find that for an emitter placed at an optimal distance from the termination, the maximum atomic excitation due to an incident single-photon wavepacket can exceed 70%. This high value is a direct consequence of the high spontaneous emission $β$-factor for emission into the waveguide. Finally, we have also explored whether waveguide dispersion could aid single-photon absorption by pulse shaping. For a gaussian input wavepacket, we find that the absorption efficiency can be improved by a further 4% by engineering the dispersion. Efficient single-photon absorption by a single emitter has potential applications in quantum communication and quantum computation.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2010

A scheme comparison of Autler-Townes based slow light in inhomogeneously broadened quantum dot media

We propose a method to achieve significant optical signal delays exploiting the effect of Autler-Townes splitting in an inhomogeneously broadened quantum dot medium. The absorption and slow-down effects are compared for three schemes i.e. $Ξ$, V and $Λ$, corresponding to different excitation configurations. Qualitative differences of the V-scheme compared to the $Ξ$- and $Λ$-scheme are found, which show that features of Autler-Townes splitting are only revealed in the V-scheme. The underlying physical mechanisms causing this discrepancy are analyzed and discussed. Finally we compare field propagation calculations of the schemes showing significantly larger achievable signal delays for the V-scheme despite finite absorption of the coupling field. This opens the possibility for using waveguide structures for both coupling and probe fields, thus significantly increasing the achievable signal delays.

quant-ph↗