Loss-induced switching between electromagnetically induced transparency and critical coupling in a chalcogenide...

Area of Science:

• Integrated optics
• Quantum optics
• Materials science

Background:

• Optical loss is typically viewed as detrimental in integrated optical systems.
• Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a quantum interference effect that enables light control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel mechanism for generating on-chip EIT by harnessing optical loss.
• To explore the use of chalcogenide phase change materials for tunable photonic devices.

Main Methods:

• Analytical study using coupled-mode theory.
• Experimental demonstration in chalcogenide coupled microring resonators.
• Utilizing the optical property contrast of phase change materials.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated on-chip EIT by introducing controlled optical loss in coupled resonators.
• Demonstrated a difference in Q factor between coupled resonators as the cause of EIT.
• Achieved fast and nonvolatile switching between EIT and critical coupling states.

Conclusions:

• Optical loss can be harnessed as a resource for generating EIT in coupled resonator systems.
• This loss-induced EIT mechanism offers a new pathway for designing tunable on-chip photonic devices.
• The findings may influence the design of on-chip slow-light optical components.