CMOS compatible platforms for integrated nonlinear optics

Abstract

Nonlinear photonic chips are capable of generating and processing signals all-optically with performance far superior to that possible electronically— particularly with respect to speed. Although silicon-on-insulator has been the leading platform for nonlinear optics, its high two-photon absorption at telecommunications wavelengths poses a fundamental limitation that is an intrinsic property of silicon’s bandstructure. We review recent progress in new non-silicon CMOScompatible platforms for nonlinear optics, focusing on Hydex glass and silicon nitride, and briefly discuss the promising new platform of amorphous silicon. These material systems have opened up many new capabilities such as on-chip optical frequency comb generation, ultrafast optical pulse generation and measurement. We highlight their potential future impact as well as the challenges to achieving practical solutions for many key applications.