Tunable terahertz Kerr switching based on nonlinear polarization rotation in silicon waveguide

Appl Opt. 2014 Apr 20;53(12):2741-7. doi: 10.1364/AO.53.002741.

Abstract

A compact and widely tunable terahertz (THz) all-optical Kerr switching using nonlinear polarization rotation generated by cross-phase modulation in a silicon waveguide is theoretically proposed. A switching efficiency of 83% is obtained when a π-phase shift difference between the TE and TM polarization components of the continuous-wave THz signal is achieved. Moreover, the tuning range of the THz switching is from 7.69 to 10 THz through changing the pump power. This THz all-optical switching has potential applications in THz communications and other THz switchable devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Light
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / instrumentation*
  • Telecommunications / instrumentation*
  • Terahertz Radiation

Substances

  • Silicon