Nonlinear meta-optics towards applications

Abstract

Nonlinear optical effects have enabled numerous applications such as laser frequency conversion, ultrafast electro-optical, and all-optical modulation. Both gaseous and bulk media have conventionally been used for free-space nonlinear optical applications, yet they often require complex phase-matching techniques for efficient operation and may have limited operation bandwidth due to the material absorption. In the last decade, meta-optics made of subwavelength antennas or films have emerged as novel nonlinear optical media that may potentially overcome certain limitations of bulk crystals. Due to resonant enhancements of the pump laser field as well as the use of materials with extreme nonlinearity such as epsilon-near-zero materials, meta-optics can achieve strong nonlinear responses with a subwavelength thickness. Here, we review several nonlinear optical applications, such as electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation, entangled photon pair generation, terahertz generation, all-optical modulation, and high-harmonic generation that we envision meta-optics may have distinct advantages over their bulk counterparts. We outline the challenges still faced by nonlinear meta-optics and point out some potential directions.