arXiv subjects

Saman Jahani

Publications and source records attributed to Saman Jahani.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Intense optical parametric amplification in dispersion engineered nanophotonic lithium niobate waveguides

Strong amplification in integrated photonics is one of the most desired optical functionalities for computing, communications, sensing, and quantum information processing. Semiconductor gain and cubic nonlinearities, such as four-wave mixing and stimulated Raman and Brillouin scattering, have been among the most studied amplification mechanisms on chip. Alternatively, material platforms with strong quadratic nonlinearities promise numerous advantages with respect to gain and bandwidth, among which nanophotonic lithium niobate is one of the most promising candidates. Here, we combine quasi-phase matching with dispersion engineering in nanophotonic lithium niobate waveguides and achieve intense optical parametric amplification. We measure a broadband phase-sensitive on-chip amplification larger than 45 dB/cm in a 2.5-mm-long waveguide. We further confirm high gain operation in the degenerate and non-degenerate regimes by amplifying vacuum fluctuations to macroscopic levels in a 6-mm-long waveguide, with on-chip gains exceeding 100 dB/cm over 600 nm of bandwidth around 2 $μ$m. Our results unlock new possibilities for on-chip few-cycle nonlinear optics, mid-infrared photonics, and quantum photonics.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Temporal Walk-off Induced Dissipative Quadratic Solitons

A plethora of applications have recently motivated extensive efforts on the generation of low noise Kerr solitons and coherent frequency combs in various platforms ranging from fiber to whispering gallery and integrated microscale resonators. However, the Kerr (cubic) nonlinearity is inherently weak, and in contrast, strong quadratic nonlinearity in optical resonators is expected to provide an alternative means for soliton formation with promising potential. Here, we demonstrate the formation of a dissipative quadratic soliton via non-stationary optical parametric amplification in the presence of significant temporal walk-off between pump and signal leading to half-harmonic generation accompanied by a substantial pulse compression (exceeding a factor of 40) at low pump pulse energies ($\sim$ 4 picojoules). The bright quadratic soliton forms in a low-finesse cavity in both normal and anomalous dispersion regimes, which is in stark contrast with bright Kerr solitons. We present a route to significantly improve the performance of the demonstrated quadratic soliton when extended to an integrated nonlinear platform to realize highly-efficient extreme pulse compression leading to the formation of few-cycle soliton pulses starting from ultra-low energy picosecond scale pump pulses that are widely tunable from ultra-violet to mid-infrared spectral regimes.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Femtojoule, femtosecond all-optical switching in lithium niobate nanophotonics

Optical nonlinear functions are crucial for various applications in integrated photonics, such as all-optical information processing, photonic neural networks and on-chip ultrafast light sources. Due to the weak nonlinearities in most integrated photonic platforms, realizing optical nonlinear functions typically requires large driving energies in the picojoules level or beyond, thus imposing a barrier for most applications. Here, we tackle this challenge and demonstrate an integrated nonlinear splitter device in lithium niobate nano-waveguides by simultaneous engineering of the dispersion and quasi-phase matching. We achieve non-resonant all-optical switching with ultra-low energies down to tens of femtojoules, a near instantaneous switching time of 18 fs, and a large extinction ratio of more than 5 dB. Our nonlinear splitter simultaneously realizes switch-on and -off operations and features a state-of-the-art switching energy-time product as low as $1.4 \times10^{-27}$ J$\cdot$s. We also show a path toward attojoule level all-optical switching by further optimizing the device geometry. Our results can enable on-chip ultrafast and energy-efficient all-optical information processing, computing systems, and light sources.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Confining light in all-dielectric anisotropic metamaterial particles for nano-scale nonlinear optics

High-index dielectrics can confine light into nano-scale leading to enhanced nonlinear response. However, increased momentum in these media can deteriorate the overlap between different harmonics which hinders efficient nonlinear interaction in wavelength-scale resonators in the absence of momentum matching. Here, we propose an alternative approach for light confinement in anisotropic particles. The extra degree of freedom in anisotropic media allows us to control the evanescent waves near the center and the radial momentum away from the center, independently. This can lead to a strong light confinement as well as an excellent field overlap between different harmonics which is ideal for nonlinear wavelength conversion. Controlling the evanescent fields can also help to surpass the constrains on the radiation bandwidth of isotropic dielectric antennas. This can improve the light coupling into these particles, which is crucial for nano-scale nonlinear optics. We estimate the second-harmonic generation efficiency as well as optical parametric oscillation threshold in these particles to show the strong nonlinear response in these particles even away from the center of resonances. Our approach is promising to be realized experimentally and can be used for many applications, such as large-scale parallel sensing and computing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Wavelength-scale Optical Parametric Oscillators

Despite recent progress in nonlinear optics in wavelength-scale resonators, there are still open questions on the possibility of parametric oscillation in such resonators. We present a general approach to predict the behavior and estimate the oscillation threshold of multi-mode subwavelength and wavelength-scale optical parametric oscillators (OPOs). As an example, we propose an OPO based on Mie-type multipolar resonances, and we demonstrate that due to the low-Q nature of multipolar modes in wavelength-scale resonators, there is a nonlinear interaction between these modes. As a result, the OPO threshold, compared to the single-mode case, can be reduced by a factor that is significantly larger than the number of interacting modes. The multi-mode interaction can also lead to a phase transition manifested through a sudden change in the parametric gain as well as the oscillation threshold, which can be utilized for enhanced sensing. We establish an explicit connection between the second-harmonic generation efficiency and the OPO threshold. This allows us to estimate the OPO threshold based on measured or simulated second-harmonic generation in different classes of resonators, such as bound states in the continuum and inversely designed resonators. Our approach for analyzing and modeling miniaturized OPOs can open unprecedented opportunities for classical and quantum nonlinear photonics.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Two-dimensional extreme skin depth engineering for CMOS photonics

Extreme skin depth engineering (e-skid) can be applied to integrated photonics to manipulate the evanescent field of a waveguide. Here we demonstrate that e-skid can be implemented in two directions in order to deterministically engineer the evanescent wave allowing for dense integration with enhanced functionalities. In particular, by increasing the skin depth, we enable the creation of large gap, bendless directional couplers with large operational bandwidth. Here we experimentally validate two-dimensional e-skid for integrated photonics in a CMOS photonics foundry and demonstrate strong coupling with a gap of 1.44 μm.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Enhancing the Performance of Superconducting Nanowire-Based Detectors with High-Filling Factor by Using Variable Thickness

Current crowding at bends of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors is one of the main factors limiting the performance of meander-style detectors with large filling factors. In this paper, we propose a new concept to reduce influence of the current crowding effect, a so-called variable thickness SNSPD, which is composed of two regions with different thicknesses. A larger thickness of bends in comparison to the thickness of straight nanowire sections locally reduces the current density and reduces the suppression of the critical current caused by the current crowding. This allows variable thickness SNSPD to have a higher critical current, an improved detection efficiency, and decreased dark count rate in comparison with a standard uniform thickness SNSPD with an identical geometry and film quality.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Non-Dissipative Non-Hermitian Dynamics and Exceptional Points in Coupled Optical Parametric Oscillators

Engineered non-Hermitian systems featuring exceptional points can lead to a host of extraordinary phenomena in diverse fields ranging from photonics, acoustics, opto-mechanics, electronics, to atomic physics. Here we introduce and present non-Hermitian dynamics of coupled optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) arising from phase-sensitive amplification and de-amplification, and show their distinct advantages over conventional non-Hermitian systems relying on laser gain and loss. OPO-based non-Hermitian systems can benefit from the instantaneous nature of the parametric gain, noiseless phase-sensitive amplification, and rich quantum and classical nonlinear dynamics. We show that two coupled OPOs can exhibit spectral anti-PT symmetry and an exceptional point between its degenerate and non-degenerate operation regimes. To demonstrate the distinct potentials of the coupled OPO system compared to conventional non-Hermitian systems, we present higher-order exceptional points with two OPOs, tunable Floquet exceptional points in a reconfigurable dynamic non-Hermitian system, and generation of squeezed vacuum around exceptional points, all of which are not easy to realize in other non-Hermitian platforms. Our results show that coupled OPOs are an outstanding non-Hermitian setting with unprecedented opportunities in realizing nonlinear dynamical systems for enhanced sensing and quantum information processing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Spectral Phase Transitions in Optical Parametric Oscillators

Spectral behaviors of photonic resonators have been the basis for a range of fundamental studies, with applications in classical and quantum technologies. Driven nonlinear resonators provide a fertile ground for phenomena related to phase transitions far from equilibrium, which can open opportunities unattainable in their linear counterparts. Here, we show that optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) can undergo second-order phase transitions in the spectral domain between degenerate and non-degenerate regimes. This abrupt change in the spectral response follows a square-root dependence around the critical point, exhibiting high sensitivity to parameter variation akin to systems around an exceptional point. We experimentally demonstrate such a phase transition in a quadratic OPO, map its dynamics to the universal Swift-Hohenberg equation, and extend it to Kerr OPOs. To emphasize the fundamental importance and consequences of this phase transition, we show that the divergent susceptibility of the critical point is accompanied by spontaneous symmetry breaking and distinct phase noise properties in the two regimes, indicating the importance of a beyond nonlinear bifurcation interpretation. We also predict the occurrence of first-order spectral phase transitions in coupled OPOs. Our results on non-equilibrium spectral behaviors can be utilized for enhanced sensing, advanced computing, and quantum information processing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Mie resonance engineering in meta-shell supraparticles for nanoscale nonlinear optics

Supraparticles are coordinated assemblies of discrete nanoscale building blocks into complex and hierarchical colloidal superstructures. Holistic optical responses in such assemblies are not observed in an individual building block or in their bulk counterparts. Furthermore, subwavelength dimensions of the unit building blocks enable engraving optical metamaterials within the supraparticle, which thus far has been beyond the current pool of colloidal engineering. This can lead to effective optical features in a colloidal platform with unprecedented ability to tune the electromagnetic responses of these particles. Here, we introduce and demonstrate the nanophotonics of meta-shell supraparticle (MSP), an all dielectric colloidal superstructure having an optical nonlinear metamaterial shell conformed onto a spherical core. We show that the metamaterial shell facilitates engineering the Mie resonances in the MSP that enable significant enhancement of the second harmonic generation (SHG). We show several orders of magnitude enhancement of second-harmonic generation in an MSP compared to its building blocks. Furthermore, we show an absolute conversion efficiency as high as 10^-7 far from the damage threshold, setting a new benchmark for SHG with low-index colloids. The MSP provides pragmatic solutions for instantaneous wavelength conversions with colloidal platforms that are suitable for chemical and biological applications. Their engineerability and scalability promise a fertile ground for nonlinear nanophotonics in the colloidal platforms with structural and material diversity.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Probabilistic vortex crossing criterion for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors have emerged as a promising technology for quantum metrology from the mid-infrared to ultra-violet frequencies. Despite the recent experimental successes, a predictive model to describe the detection event in these detectors is needed to optimize the detection metrics. Here, we propose a probabilistic criterion for single-photon detection based on single-vortex (flux quanta) crossing the width of the nanowire. Our model makes a connection between the dark-counts and photon-counts near the detection threshold. The finite-difference calculations demonstrate that a change in the bias current distribution as a result of the photon absorption significantly increases the probability of single-vortex crossing even if the vortex potential barrier has not vanished completely. We estimate the instrument response function and show that the timing uncertainty of this vortex tunneling process corresponds to a fundamental limit in timing jitter of the click event. We demonstrate a trade-space between this intrinsic (quantum) timing jitter, quantum efficiency, and dark count rate in TaN, WSi, and NbN superconducting nanowires at different experimental conditions. Our detection model can also explain the experimental observation of exponential decrease in the quantum efficiency of SNSPDs at lower energies. This leads to a pulse-width dependency in the quantum efficiency, and it can be further used as an experimental test to compare across different detection models.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Switching Purcell effect with nonlinear epsilon-near-zero media

An optical topological transition is defined as the change in the photonic isofrequency surface around epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) frequencies which can considerably change the spontaneous emission of a quantum emitter placed near a metamaterial slab. Here, we show that due to the strong Kerr nonlinearity at ENZ frequencies, a high power pulse can induce a sudden transition in the topology of the iso-frequency dispersion curve, leading to a significant change in the transmission of propagating as well as evanescent waves through the metamaterial slab. This evanescent wave switch effect allows for the control of spontaneous emission through modulation of the Purcell effect. We develop a theory of the enhanced nonlinear response of ENZ media to s and p polarized inputs and show that this nonlinear effect is stronger for p polarization and is almost independent of the incident angle. We perform finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations to demonstrate the transient response of the metamaterial slab to an ultrafast pulse and fast switching of the Purcell effect at the sub-picosecond scale. The Purcell factor changes at ENZ by almost a factor of three which is an order of magnitude stronger than that away from ENZ. We also show that due to the inhomogeneous spatial field distribution inside the multilayer metal-dielectric super-lattice, a unique spatial topological transition metamaterial can be achieved by the control pulse induced nonlinearity. Our work can lead to ultra-fast control of quantum phenomena in ENZ metamaterials.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Controlling evanescent waves using silicon photonic all-dielectric metamaterials for dense integration

Ultra-compact, densely integrated optical components manufactured on a CMOS-foundry platform are highly desirable for optical information processing and electronic-photonic co-integration. However, the large spatial extent of evanescent waves arising from nanoscale confinement, ubiquitous in silicon photonic devices, causes significant cross-talk and scattering loss. Here, we demonstrate that anisotropic all-dielectric metamaterials open a new degree of freedom in total internal reflection to shorten the decay length of evanescent waves. We experimentally show the reduction of cross-talk by greater than 30 times and the bending loss by greater than 3 times in densely integrated, ultra-compact photonic circuit blocks. Our prototype all-dielectric metamaterial-waveguide achieves a low propagation loss of approximately 3.7 dB/cm, comparable to those of silicon strip waveguides. Our approach marks a departure from interference-based confinement as in photonic crystals or slot waveguides, which utilize nanoscale field enhancement. Its ability to suppress evanescent waves without substantially increasing the propagation loss shall pave the way for all-dielectric metamaterial-based dense integration.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Breakthroughs in Photonics 2014: Relaxed Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection (TIR) is a ubiquitous phenomenon used in photonic devices ranging from waveguides and resonators to lasers and optical sensors. Controlling this phenomenon and light confinement are keys to the future integration of nanoelectronics and nanophotonics on the same silicon platform. We introduced the concept of relaxed total internal reflection in 2014 to control evanescent waves generated during TIR. These unchecked evanescent waves are the fundamental reason photonic devices are inevitably diffraction-limited and cannot be miniaturized. Our key design concept is the engineered anisotropy of the medium into which the evanescent wave extends thus allowing for skin depth engineering without any metallic components. In this article, we give an overview of our approach and compare it to key classes of photonic devices such as plasmonic waveguides, photonic crystal waveguides and slot waveguides. We show how our work can overcome a long standing issue in photonics nanoscale light confinement with fully transparent dielectric media.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Photonic skin-depth engineering

Recently we proposed a paradigm shift in light confinement strategy showing how relaxed total internal reflection and photonic skin-depth engineering can lead to sub-diffraction waveguides without metal (S. Jahani and Z. Jacob, "Transparent sub-diffraction optics: nanoscale light confinement without metal," Optica 1, 96-100 (2014)). Here, we show that such extreme-skin-depth (e-skid) waveguides can counter-intuitively confine light better than the best-case all-dielectric design of high index silicon waveguides surrounded by vacuum. We also analytically establish that figures of merit related to light confinement in dielectric waveguides are fundamentally tied to the skin depth of waves in the cladding, a quantity surprisingly overlooked in dielectric photonics. We contrast the propagation characteristics of the fundamental mode of e-skid waveguides and conventional waveguides to show that the decay constant in the cladding is dramatically larger in e-skid waveguides, which is the origin of sub-diffraction confinement. We also propose an approach to verify the reduced photonic skin depth in experiment using the decrease in the Goos-Hanschen phase shift. Finally, we provide a generalization of our work using concepts of transformation optics where the photonic-skin depth engineering can be interpreted as a transformation on the momentum of evanescent waves.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Transparent subdiffraction optics: nanoscale light confinement without metal

The integration of nanoscale electronics with conventional optical devices is restricted by the diffraction limit of light. Metals can confine light at the subwavelength scales needed, but they are lossy, while dielectric materials do not confine evanescent waves outside a waveguide or resonator, leading to cross talk between components. We introduce a paradigm shift in light confinement strategy and show that light can be confined below the diffraction limit using completely transparent artificial media. Our approach relies on controlling the optical momentum of evanescent waves, an important electromagnetic property overlooked in photonic devices. For practical applications, we propose a class of waveguides using this approach that outperforms the cross talk performance by 1 order of magnitude as compared to any existing photonic structure. Our work overcomes a critical stumbling block for nanophotonics by completely averting the use of metals and can impact electromagnetic devices from the visible to microwave frequency ranges.

physics.optics↗