Ultra-high quality-factor resonators with perfect azimuthal modal-symmetry

Opt Express. 2009 Nov 9;17(23):20998-1006. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.020998.

Abstract

We study circular grating resonators (CGRs) which are formed by a central defect surrounded by concentric rings composing a grating and which display perfect azimuthal modal-symmetry. Because of their radial symmetry they exhibit a complete band gap for a minimal index contrast. However, as is the case for all 2D resonators their quality factors are limited by vertical losses. To reduce the vertical losses we introduce a chirp of the grating period by reducing it towards the central defect. The chirped CGRs exhibit drastically improved quality factors of up to tens of millions with a modal volume of a few cubic wavelengths.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electronics
  • Equipment Design
  • Lasers
  • Optical Devices*
  • Optics and Photonics*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Refractometry / instrumentation
  • Refractometry / methods
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Spectrophotometry / instrumentation
  • Spectrophotometry / methods