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Measurement of Scattering Nonlinearities from a Single Plasmonic Nanoparticle
Published on: January 3, 2016
Ultrafast all-optical modulation in silicon-based nanoplasmonic devices.
A Y Elezzabi1, Z Han, S Sederberg
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. elezzabi@ece.ualberta.ca
Optics Express
|June 25, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a silicon nanoplasmonic waveguide for ultrafast all-optical switching. The device achieves 5 ps switching times and high on-off contrast using light-induced carrier dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
Background:
- All-optical modulation and switching are crucial for high-speed optical communication networks.
- Silicon photonics offers a promising platform for integrated optical devices due to its mature fabrication processes.
- Existing all-optical switches often face limitations in switching speed and energy efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a novel five-layer silicon-based nanoplasmonic waveguiding structure.
- To demonstrate ultrafast all-optical modulation and switching capabilities.
- To investigate the potential for high on-off contrast ratios in silicon nanoplasmonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a five-layer silicon-based nanoplasmonic waveguiding structure.
- Utilizing ion-implanted silicon for enhanced nonlinear optical properties.
- Employing above-bandgap femtosecond pump pulses to generate free carriers.
- Analytical modeling and rigorous numerical simulations to evaluate device performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrafast nonlinear phase and amplitude modulation.
- Demonstrated a switching time as low as 5 picoseconds (ps).
- Obtained a high on-off contrast ratio of 35 decibels (dB).
Conclusions:
- The proposed silicon nanoplasmonic waveguide is suitable for ultrafast all-optical modulation and switching.
- Photo-generated free carrier dynamics in ion-implanted silicon enable high-performance all-optical switching.
- The device exhibits promising characteristics for future high-speed optical communication systems.
