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Slow light, induced dispersion, enhanced nonlinearity, and optical solitons in a resonator-array waveguide
John E Heebner1, Robert W Boyd, Q-Han Park
1Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
Summary
We developed a novel optical transmission line using disk resonators and waveguides. This system enables ultraslow light propagation, enhanced nonlinear effects, and controllable dispersion for soliton formation.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Optical transmission lines are crucial for signal propagation.
- Controlling light properties like speed and nonlinearity is essential for advanced optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new optical transmission line design.
- To investigate its unique optical characteristics and potential applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an optical transmission line comprising an array of wavelength-scale optical disk resonators.
- Coupling these resonators to an optical waveguide.
Main Results:
- Observed ultraslow group velocities of light propagation.
- Demonstrated enhanced optical nonlinearities.
- Achieved large, controllable optical dispersion (magnitude and sign).
- Supported soliton propagation, modeled by a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation.
Conclusions:
- The proposed optical disk resonator array offers exotic optical properties.
- This platform is suitable for controlling light propagation and nonlinear phenomena.
- Potential for applications in optical switching, signal processing, and fundamental physics research.