Overcoming the quantum limit of optical amplification in monolithic waveguides

Optical amplifiers are essential in numerous photonic applications. Parametric amplifiers, relying on a nonlinear material to create amplification, are uniquely promising as they can amplify without generating excess noise. Here, we demonstrate amplification based on the third-order nonlinearity in a single chip while, in addition, reporting a noise figure significantly below the conventional quantum limit when operated in phase-sensitive mode. Our results show the potential of nanophotonics for realizing continuous-wave parametric amplification that can enable applications in optical communications, signal processing, and quantum optics across a wide range of frequencies.