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Optical parametric amplification in silicon nitride waveguides for coherent Raman imaging
Optics Express
|April 6, 2021
Summary
We developed a tunable silicon nitride waveguide device for generating light via four-wave mixing (FWM). This integrated light source enables efficient narrowband coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging with low energy requirements.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
Background:
- Integrated photonics offers miniaturized solutions for complex optical systems.
- Four-wave mixing (FWM) is a nonlinear process used for light generation and manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a tunable waveguide-based optical parametric amplification source for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging.
- To achieve narrowband coherent light generation using silicon nitride waveguides and FWM.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing silicon nitride waveguides with varying widths for tunable FWM.
- Employing a continuous-wave seed source to stimulate FWM and enhance idler power.
- Investigating the generation of signal and idler pulses with low pump energy (3 nJ).
Main Results:
- Achieved a 35 dB enhancement in idler spectral power density compared to spontaneous FWM.
- Generated tunable idler wavelengths from 1.1 µm to 1.6 µm by adjusting waveguide width and seed wavelength.
- Demonstrated the versatility of the chip-based FWM light source by acquiring CARS images.
Conclusions:
- The developed integrated FWM light source provides a versatile and efficient platform for narrowband CARS imaging.
- Silicon nitride waveguides are suitable for on-chip optical parametric amplification, enabling advanced imaging techniques.
