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Ultrafast-nonlinear ultraviolet pulse modulation in an AlInGaN polariton waveguide operating up to room temperature
D M Di Paola1, P M Walker2, R P A Emmanuele1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Nature Communications
|June 10, 2021
Summary
We demonstrate giant UV nonlinearity using hybrid light-matter states in an AlInGaN waveguide. This breakthrough enables compact, on-chip ultrafast spectroscopy and information processing devices for the UV spectrum.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Electronics
Background:
- Ultrafast nonlinear photonics is crucial for on-chip spectroscopy and information processing.
- Existing platforms lack strong nonlinear refractive index for UV spectral range.
- Broadband spectra in UV are essential for advanced (bio-)chemical spectroscopy devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel platform for strong UV nonlinear photonics.
- To enable integrated ultrafast spectroscopy and information processing in the UV spectral range.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing hybrid light-matter states (exciton-polaritons) in an AlInGaN waveguide.
- Experimentally measuring ultrafast nonlinear spectral broadening of UV pulses.
- Characterizing nonlinearity at room temperature.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated giant nonlinearity of UV exciton-polaritons up to room temperature.
- Achieved nonlinear spectral broadening in a compact 100 μm device.
- Deduced nonlinearity 1000x greater than common UV materials and comparable to non-UV polaritons.
Conclusions:
- The AlInGaN waveguide platform provides unprecedented UV nonlinearity.
- This work paves the way for a new generation of integrated UV nonlinear light sources.
- Enables advanced on-chip ultrafast (bio-)chemical spectroscopy and measurement devices.
