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Phase-matched sum frequency generation in strained silicon waveguides using their second-order nonlinear optical
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
Optics Express
|November 24, 2011
Summary
Silicon waveguides with a Si3N4 straining layer enable efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum frequency generation (SFG) for wavelength conversion in silicon photonics.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Materials science
- Photonics
Background:
- Silicon photonics typically lacks strong second-order nonlinear effects.
- Strain engineering is a promising approach to induce nonlinearity in silicon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate second-harmonic generation (SHG) and sum frequency generation (SFG) in strained silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides.
- To achieve efficient wavelength conversion in monolithic silicon photonics.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation and analysis.
- Utilizing a Si3N4 straining layer to induce anisotropic compressive strain.
- Employing TE/TM mode birefringence for phase matching.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated strong second-order nonlinear susceptibility in strained SOI waveguides.
- Derived waveguide geometries for slab and strip channel waveguides enabling perfect phase matching.
- Achieved efficient SHG and SFG for near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths.
Conclusions:
- Strained SOI waveguides offer a viable platform for efficient nonlinear optical processes.
- This approach paves the way for integrated wavelength converters in silicon photonics.
