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Ultrafast, All Optically Reconfigurable, Nonlinear Nanoantenna.
Eva Arianna Aurelia Pogna1,2, Michele Celebrano1, Andrea Mazzanti1
1Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, I-20133 Milano, Italy.
ACS Nano
|July 7, 2021
Summary
Researchers demonstrate ultrafast all-optical modulation of second harmonic (SH) generation in a single nanoantenna. This breakthrough enables reconfigurable nonlinear nanophotonic devices for telecommunications and sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Nanophotonics
- Semiconductor device physics
Background:
- Nanoscale engineering enhances nonlinear optical effects.
- Optical nanoantennas boost light-matter interaction and harmonic generation.
- Existing nanophotonic devices lack high-speed reconfigurability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate ultrafast all-optical modulation of second harmonic (SH) generation from a single nanoantenna.
- To develop reconfigurable nonlinear nanophotonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a subwavelength aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) nanopillar.
- Employed femtosecond laser pulses for control and signal.
- Photoinjected free carriers to induce permittivity changes.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficient modulation of the SH signal at 775 nm.
- Demonstrated all-optical control using visible light pulses.
- Showcased modulation of SH generated by telecom-wavelength (1.55 μm) pulses.
Conclusions:
- Ultrafast all-optical modulation of SH is experimentally demonstrated.
- The developed AlGaAs nanopillar enables reconfigurable nonlinear nanophotonics.
- This work paves the way for advanced telecom and sensing applications.
