Optical waveguide mode control by nanoslit-enhanced terahertz field

Andrey Novitsky, Maksim Zalkovskij, Radu Malureanu, Peter Uhd Jepsen, Andrei Lavrinenko

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    490 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    In this Letter we propose a scheme providing control over an optical waveguide mode by a terahertz (THz) wave. The scheme is based on an optimization of the overlap between the optical waveguide mode and the THz field, with the THz field strength enhanced by the presence of a metallic nanoslit surrounding the waveguide. We find an optimum balance between the optical mode attenuation and Kerr-induced change in the propagation constant. The criterion for a π/2-cumulative phase shift, for instance for application in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration, requires 10  kV/cm THz field, which in turn is estimated to result in a nonlinear change of the refractive index in the waveguide of 0.001. Our simulations prove that it is quite reasonable to observe the effect experimentally.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalOptics Letters
    Volume37
    Issue number18
    Pages (from-to)3903-3905
    ISSN0146-9592
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Bibliographical note

    This paper was published in Optics Letters and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-37-18-3903. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Optical waveguide mode control by nanoslit-enhanced terahertz field'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this