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Higher order mode supercontinuum generation in tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) channel waveguide
Ranran Fan1, Yuan-Yao Lin2,3, Lin Chang4
1Department of Photonics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70, Lienhei Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Scientific Reports
|April 13, 2021
Summary
We demonstrated broadband supercontinuum (SC) generation in tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) waveguides using higher-order modes. This novel approach achieved an octave-spanning spectrum, promising for various optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Integrated photonics
- Materials science
Background:
- Supercontinuum (SC) generation is crucial for broadband light sources.
- Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) exhibits a high nonlinear refractive index.
- Higher-order modes in waveguides offer unique nonlinear properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate higher-order mode SC generation in Ta2O5 waveguides.
- To achieve broadband SC generation using the phase-matching method.
- To explore potential applications of the generated SC spectrum.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Ta2O5 channel waveguides.
- Experimental demonstration of SC generation using femtosecond laser pulses.
- Utilizing higher-order modes (TM10 and TE10) for SC generation.
- Phase-matching technique for broadband SC.
Main Results:
- Achieved SC spectrum spanning 842 to 1462 nm (0.83 octaves) using the TM10 mode.
- Demonstrated the first higher-order mode femtosecond pump-based SC from a nonlinear waveguide.
- Observed a slightly reduced bandwidth with the TE10 mode.
- Theoretically discussed nanoparticle trapping using the broadband SC.
Conclusions:
- Ta2O5 waveguides are promising for higher-order mode SC generation.
- The generated broadband SC is suitable for applications like frequency metrology and spectroscopy.
- This work opens new avenues for nonlinear integrated photonics.
