Thermo-optical switching enhanced with second harmonic generation in microring resonators.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Materials Science
• Nonlinear Optics
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• AlGaAs/AlO(x) microring (MR) waveguides are key components in integrated photonics.
• Second harmonic generation (SHG) is a nonlinear optical process.
• Thermo-optic effects influence the performance of optical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of thermo-optic effects on SHG in AlGaAs/AlO(x) MR waveguides.
• To explore the potential of utilizing SHG for enhanced thermal sensitivity in MRs.
• To assess the suitability of these structures for thermal modulation, switching, and sensing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of AlGaAs/AlO(x) microring waveguides.
• Experimental characterization of SHG efficiency under varying temperatures.
• Analysis of thermo-optic coefficients and their influence on SHG.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that thermo-optic effects significantly influence SHG in AlGaAs/AlO(x) MRs.
• Showcased SHG as a mechanism to enhance the thermal sensitivity of the microring structures.
• Quantified the relationship between temperature changes and SHG output.

Conclusions:

• AlGaAs/AlO(x) microring waveguides exhibiting enhanced thermal sensitivity through SHG are promising for optical applications.
• The demonstrated sensitivity enables effective thermal modulation and switching of optical signals.
• These structures offer a viable platform for high-performance temperature sensing.