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Effects of multiphoton absorption on parametric comb generation in silicon microresonators
Optics Letters
|June 16, 2015
Summary
Parametric frequency combs are generated in silicon microresonators. Oscillation occurs at mid-infrared wavelengths but is inhibited at telecom wavelengths due to nonlinear effects.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Silicon microresonators are key for generating optical frequency combs.
- Nonlinear optical effects like multiphoton absorption and free-carrier effects can limit comb generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate parametric frequency comb generation in silicon microresonators.
- To analyze the impact of nonlinearities on comb generation at telecom and mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths.
- To propose a novel microresonator design for passive, octave-spanning frequency combs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Lugiato-Lefever model for theoretical analysis.
- Simulated comb generation considering multiphoton absorption and free-carrier effects.
- Investigated parametric oscillation conditions at different wavelengths.
Main Results:
- Parametric oscillation is feasible at MIR wavelengths under specific conditions (short free-carrier lifetime or low pump power).
- Comb generation is inhibited at telecom wavelengths due to nonlinear effects.
- An etchless, air-clad silicon microresonator design is proposed for passive octave-spanning combs.
Conclusions:
- Nonlinear effects significantly influence parametric frequency comb generation in silicon microresonators.
- MIR wavelengths offer potential for parametric oscillation, unlike telecom wavelengths.
- The proposed air-clad microresonator presents a promising route towards passive, broadband frequency comb generation.
