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On the properties of single-mode optical resonators
Optics Express
|July 14, 2016
Summary
We studied optical resonator quality factors, finding that Transverse Magnetic (TM) modes suffer from radiative losses, unlike Transverse Electric (TE) modes. This allows TE modes in photonic belt resonators to achieve record high quality factors.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Resonators
- Materials Science
Background:
- Whispering gallery mode resonators are crucial for various photonic applications.
- Understanding and optimizing their quality factor (Q) is essential for device performance.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the distinct loss mechanisms affecting different polarization modes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quality factor (Q) of single-mode optical whispering gallery mode resonators.
- To analyze the difference in Q factors between Transverse Magnetic (TM) and Transverse Electric (TE) modes.
- To identify the sources of radiative losses limiting resonator performance, particularly in photonic belt resonator geometries.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing finite element method (FEM) simulations to model resonator behavior.
- Conducting experimental measurements of quality factors for TM and TE modes.
- Analyzing radiative losses associated with mode hybridization and coupling.
Main Results:
- A significant disparity in Q factors between TM and TE modes was experimentally observed.
- TM fundamental modes exhibit geometry-related radiative losses due to mode hybridization, limiting their Q factor.
- TE modes are not subject to these hybridization losses, leading to higher achievable Q factors.
Conclusions:
- Mode hybridization and coupling are identified as key limiting factors for TM mode Q factors in single-mode resonators.
- TE modes in photonic belt resonators demonstrate superior Q factors, reaching up to one billion.
- Photonic belt resonators with TE modes offer unprecedented performance for single-mode optical resonators of comparable dimensions.
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