Low-noise chip-based frequency conversion by four-wave-mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Waveguide Technology
• Nonlinear Optics
• Quantum Information Science

Background:

• Four-wave mixing (FWM) is a key nonlinear optical process for wavelength conversion.
• Silicon nitride (SiN(x)) waveguides offer low propagation losses and high nonlinearities, making them attractive for integrated photonic devices.
• Tunable wavelength conversion is crucial for various applications, including optical communications and quantum information processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate low-noise, tunable wavelength conversion using nondegenerate four-wave mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides.
• To investigate the performance of the Bragg scattering process for converting quantum states of light.

Main Methods:

• Experimental demonstration of nondegenerate four-wave mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides.
• Finite element method (FEM) simulations to model waveguide dispersion.
• Split-step Fourier method (SSFM) for predicting device performance.
• Utilizing two 1550 nm wavelength band pulsed pumps to achieve tunable conversion of a 980 nm signal.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable wavelength conversion of a 980 nm signal over a 5 nm range.
• Demonstrated a peak conversion efficiency of approximately 5%.
• Observed low-noise characteristics of the generated converted signal.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated nondegenerate four-wave mixing Bragg scattering in SiN(x) waveguides is an effective method for low-noise, tunable wavelength conversion.
• The process is suitable for the frequency conversion of quantum states of light, paving the way for quantum information applications.
• SiN(x) waveguides provide a robust platform for integrated nonlinear photonic devices.