Force-induced optical nonlinearity and Kerr-like coefficient in opto-mechanical ring resonators

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Opto-mechanical systems offer unique light-matter interactions.
• Ring resonators are key components in integrated photonics.
• Optical nonlinearity is crucial for advanced photonic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and characterize optical nonlinearity in opto-mechanical ring resonators.
• To investigate the role of optical gradient force in inducing nonlinearity.
• To quantify the Kerr-like coefficient and compare it to conventional materials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of opto-mechanical ring resonators with deformable free-hanging arcs.
• Utilizing optical gradient force to induce mechanical deformation.
• Measuring the change in effective refractive index (ERI) due to deformation.
• Characterizing the induced optical nonlinearity via the Kerr-like coefficient.

Main Results:

• Optical nonlinearity was successfully demonstrated in the opto-mechanical ring resonators.
• The Kerr-like coefficient was found to be in the range of 7.64 × 10(-12) to 2.01 × 10(-10) m(2)W(-1).
• The measured Kerr-like coefficient is at least 6 orders of magnitude higher than that of silicon.

Conclusions:

• Opto-mechanical ring resonators exhibit significantly enhanced optical nonlinearity.
• The observed nonlinearity is attributed to optical gradient force-induced deformation and ERI change.
• These resonators hold promise for low-power optical signal processing, modulation, and bio-sensing applications.