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Ultrafast all-optical modulation in a silicon nanoplasmonic resonator
Optics Express
|October 10, 2013
Summary
Ultrafast all-optical modulation was achieved in silicon nanoring resonators using two-photon absorption. This compact device offers a 13.1 dB modulation amplitude with a 2 ps switching time.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- All-optical modulation is crucial for high-speed optical communication.
- Silicon nanophotonics offers a promising platform for integrated optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate ultrafast all-optical modulation in silicon-based metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal nanoring resonators.
- To investigate the relationship between device size, bandwidth, and modulation performance.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations were employed.
- Photogeneration of free carriers via two-photon absorption was utilized for modulation.
Main Results:
- A modulation amplitude of 13.1 dB was achieved in a compact 1.4 µm² device footprint.
- Switching times as low as 2 ps were demonstrated with a pump pulse energy of 16.0 pJ.
- Increased modulation amplitude was correlated with larger bandwidth in more compact nanorings.
Conclusions:
- Silicon nanoring resonators enable ultrafast all-optical modulation.
- Device miniaturization enhances modulation amplitude due to increased bandwidth.
