Abstract: We demonstrate a highly sensitive label-free Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) biosensor based on silicon nitride slot waveguide. Unlike the conventional MZI sensors, the sensing arm of the sensor consists of a slot waveguide while the reference arm consists of a strip waveguide. Thanks to the slot waveguide's property to provide high optical intensity in a subwavelength-size low refractive index region (slot region), which allows high light–analyte interaction, higher sensitivity can be obtained as compared to conventional waveguides using the slot waveguide as sensing region. The bulk refractive index sensitivity of the slot waveguide MZI sensor was found to be 1864 π /RIU (refractive index unit) with 7 mm long slot waveguide sensing arm, which shows higher sensitivity compared to the conventional MZI device based on silicon nitride. The biosensing capability of the developed slot waveguide MZI was investigated using biotin–streptavidin binding as a model system. The sensitivity of the system was demonstrated down to 18.9 fM or 1 pg/ml of streptavidin solution and to the best of our knowledge, it is the best reported experimental value for the limit of detection of a MZI sensor. Furthermore, we investigated the specific detection and quantification of the methylation of DAPK ( Death-associated protein kinase ) gene, which is a widely used biomarker for human cancers. We have shown that methylation sequences of DAPK gene of various methylation densities (100%, 50%, and 0% of methylation sites) can be quantified and discriminated even at a concentration as low as 1 fmol/μl or 1 nM.

Abstract: Integration of electronics and photonics for future applications requires an efficient conversion of electrical to optical signals. The excellent electronic and photonic properties of graphene make it a suitable material for integrated systems with extremely wide operational bandwidth. In this paper, we analyze the novel geometry of modulator based on the rib photonic waveguide configuration with a double-layer graphene placed between a slab and ridge. The theoretical analysis of graphene-based electro-absorption modulator was performed showing that a 3 dB modulation with ~ 600 nm-long waveguide is possible resulting in energy per bit below 1 fJ/bit. The optical bandwidth of such modulators exceeds 12 THz with an operation speed ranging from 160 GHz to 850 GHz and limited only by graphene resistance. The performances of modulators were evaluated based on the figure of merit defined as the ratio between extinction ratio and insertion losses where it was found to exceed 220.

Abstract: A frequency-selective power combiner/divider in single-layer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology is introduced. The basic building block consists of a planar four cavity structure with three of them operated in SIW TE101 modes and one in SIW TE201 mode. Each cavity is coupled to one port of the unit. In addition the overall configuration considers couplings of each resonator to the two adjacent ones. Due to the coupling transformation properties of the TE201 mode cavity, second order 3 dB transfer functions are obtained from each port to two adjacent ones while the fourth port is almost isolated. The novel combiner/divider is designed for 11 GHz and prototyped on RT/Duroid 5870 substrate. Measurements verify the design process and operation of the device.

Abstract: An in-plane spin-photon interface is essential for the integration of quantum dot spins with optical circuits. The optical dipole of a quantum dot lies in the plane and the spin is optically accessed via circularly polarized selection rules. Hence, a single waveguide, which can transport only one in-plane linear polarization component, cannot communicate the spin state between two points on a chip. To overcome this issue, we introduce a spin-photon interface based on two orthogonal waveguides, where the polarization emitted by a quantum dot is mapped to a path-encoded photon. We demonstrate operation by deducing the spin using the interference of in-plane photons. A second device directly maps right and left circular polarizations to antiparallel waveguides, surprising for a nonchiral structure but consistent with an off-center dot.

Abstract: We demonstrate a novel integrated silicon and ultra-low-loss Si3N4 waveguide platform. Coupling between layers is achieved with (0.4 ± 0.2) dB of loss per transition and a 20 nm 3-dB bandwidth for one tapered coupler design and with (0.8 ± 0.2) dB of loss per transition and a 100 nm 3-dB bandwidth for another. The minimum propagation loss measured in the ultra-low-loss waveguides is 1.2 dB/m in the 1590 nm wavelength regime.

Abstract: A waveguide includes a waveguide body which is hollow inside and made from a shape-retentive material, and a conductive inner coating layer which is electrically conductive and provided on an inner surface of the waveguide body. The waveguide uses an inner space of the conductive inner coating layer as a transmission path to transmit electromagnetic waves as signals. Two electric wires provided along the outer surface of the waveguide body serve respectively as a power line and a ground line to transmit electric power.

Abstract: For the purpose of using plasmonics in an integrated scheme where single emitters can be probed efficiently, we experimentally and theoretically study the scattering properties of single nano-rod gold antennas as well as antenna arrays placed on one-dimensional dielectric silicon nitride waveguides. Using real space and Fourier microscopy correlated with waveguide transmission measurements, we quantify the spectral properties, absolute strength and directivity of scattering. The scattering processes can be well understood in the framework of the physics of dipolar objects placed on a planar layered environment with a waveguiding layer. We use the single plasmonic structures on top of the waveguide as dipolar building blocks for new types of antennas where the waveguide enhances the coupling between antenna elements. We report on waveguide hybridized Yagi-Uda antennas which show directionality in out-coupling of guided modes as well as directionality for in-coupling into the waveguide of localized excitations positioned at the feed element. These measurements together with simulations demonstrate that this system is ideal as a platform for plasmon quantum optics schemes as well as for fluorescence lab-on-chip applications.

Abstract: The performance of plasmonic nanoantenna structures on top of SOI wire waveguides as coherent perfect absorbers for modulators and all-optical switches is explored. The absorption, scattering, reflection and transmission spectra of gold and aluminum nanoantenna-loaded waveguides were calculated by means of 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations for single waves propagating along the waveguide, as well as for standing wave scenarios composed from two counterpropagating waves. The investigated configurations showed losses of roughly 1% and extinction ratios greater than 25 dB for modulator and switching applications, as well as plasmon effects such as strong field enhancement and localization in the nanoantenna region. The proposed plasmonic coherent perfect absorbers can be utilized for ultracompact all-optical switches in coherent networks as well as modulators and can find applications in sensing or in increasing nonlinear effects.

Abstract: We present the synthesis of one-dimensional (line-source) leaky-wave antennas (LWAs) in substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology with modulated geometry, demonstrating the capability to flexibly tailor the radiated fields pattern, both in nearand far-field regimes. The synthesis technique is inspired in holographic concepts, which are related to the existence of modulated leaky waves. A systematic design algorithm to obtain the requested modulation of the SIW width and distance between posts to synthesize the desired radiation pattern is described. Several design examples operating at 15 GHz are reported and experimentally validated, showing the power and versatility of the proposed holographic SIW technology.

Abstract: Efficient generation of a broad-band mid-infrared supercontinuum spectrum is reported in an arsenic trisulphide waveguide embedded in silica. A chalcogenide "nano-spike", designed to transform the incident light adiabatically into the fundamental mode of a 2-mm-long uniform section 1 μm in diameter, is used to achieve high launch efficiencies. The nano-spike is fully encapsulated in a fused silica cladding, protecting it from the environment. Nano-spikes provide a convenient means of launching light into sub-wavelength scale waveguides. Ultrashort (65 fs, repetition rate 100 MHz) pulses at wavelength 2 μm, delivered from a Tm-doped fiber laser, are launched with an efficiency ~12% into the subwavelength chalcogenide waveguide. Soliton fission and dispersive wave generation along the uniform section result in spectral broadening out to almost 4 μm for launched energies of only 18 pJ. The spectrum generated will have immediate uses in metrology and infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract: We present the first demonstration of a narrow linewidth, waveguide-based Brillouin laser which is enabled by large Brillouin gain of a chalcogenide chip. The waveguides are equipped with vertical tapers for low loss coupling. Due to optical feedback for the Stokes wave, the lasing threshold is reduced to 360 mW, which is 5 times lower than the calculated single-pass Brillouin threshold for the same waveguide. The slope efficiency of the laser is found to be 30% and the linewidth of 100 kHz is measured using a self-heterodyne method.

Abstract: We propose several planar layouts of ultra-compact plasmonic waveguide modulators that utilize alternative CMOS-compatible materials. The modulation is efficiently achieved by tuning the carrier concentration in a transparent conducting oxide layer, thereby tuning the waveguide either in plasmonic resonance or off-resonance. Resonance significantly increases the absorption coefficient of the plasmonic waveguide, which enables larger modulation depth. We show that an extinction ratio of 86 dB/um can be achieved, allowing for a 3-dB modulation depth in less than one micron at the telecommunication wavelength. Our multilayer structures can potentially be integrated with existing plasmonic and photonic waveguides as well as novel semiconductor-based hybrid photonic/electronic circuits.

Abstract: We demonstrate the realization of plasmonic analog of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a system composing of two stub resonators side-coupled to metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide. Based on the coupled mode theory (CMT) and Fabry-Perot (FP) model, respectively, the formation and evolution mechanisms of plasmon-induced transparency by direct and indirect couplings are exactly analyzed. For the direct coupling between the two stub resonators, the FWHM and group index of transparent window to the inter-space are more sensitive than to the width of one cut, and the high group index of up to 60 can be achieved. For the indirect coupling, the formation of transparency window is determined by the resonance detuning, but the evolution of transparency is mainly attributed to the change of coupling distance. The consistence between the analytical solution and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations verifies the feasibility of the plasmon-induced transparency system. It is also interesting to notice that the scheme is easy to be fabricated and may pave the way to highly integrated optical circuits.

Abstract: We study the transverse-size effect of a quasi-one-dimensional rectangular waveguide on the single-photon scattering on a two-level system. We calculate the transmission and reflection coefficients for single incident photons using the scattering formalism based on the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. When the transverse size of the waveguide is larger than a critical size, we find that the transverse mode will be involved in the single-photon scattering. Including the coupling to a higher traverse mode, we find that the photon in the lowest channel will be lost into the other channel, corresponding to the other transverse modes, when the input energy is larger than the maximum bound-state energy. Three kinds of resonance phenomena are predicted: single-photon resonance, photonic Feshbach resonance, and cutoff (minimum) frequency resonance. At these resonances, the input photon is completely reflected.

Abstract: We demonstrate an optomechanical phase shifter. By electrostatically deflecting the nanofabricated mechanical structure, the effective index of a nearby waveguide is changed and the resulting phase shift is measured using an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Comparing to thermo-optical phase shifters, our device does not consume power in static operation and also it can operate over large frequency, wavelength, and power ranges. Operation in the MHz range and sub-$\mu$s pulses are demonstrated.

Abstract: This Letter presents a method for making an uneven surface behave as a flat surface. This allows an object to be concealed (cloaked) under an uneven portion of the surface, without disturbing the wave propagation on the surface. The cloaks proposed in this Letter achieve perfect cloaking that only relies upon isotropic radially dependent refractive index profiles, contrary to those previously published. In addition, these cloaks are very thin, just a fraction of a wavelength in thickness, yet can conceal electrically large objects. While this paper focuses on cloaking electromagnetic surface waves, the theory is also valid for other types of surface waves. The performance of these cloaks is simulated using dielectric filled waveguide geometries, and the curvature of the surface is shown to be rendered invisible, hiding any object positioned underneath. Finally, a transformation of the required dielectric slab permittivity was performed for surface wave propagation, demonstrating the practical applicability of this technique.

Abstract: We experimentally demonstrate plasmonic nanocircuits operating as subdiffraction directional couplers optically excited with high efficiency from free-space using optical Yagi-Uda style antennas at λ_0 = 1550 nm The optical Yagi-Uda style antennas are designed to feed channel plasmon waveguides with high efficiency (45% in coupling, 60% total emission), narrow angular directivity (<40°), and low insertion loss SPP channel waveguides exhibit propagation lengths as large as 34 μm with adiabatically tuned confinement and are integrated with ultracompact (5 × 10 μm^2), highly dispersive directional couplers, which enable 30 dB discrimination over Δλ = 200 nm with only 03 dB device loss

Abstract: A system is disclosed for maintaining the spacing between waveguides in an optical element of a near eye display. Spacing is maintained with spacer elements mounted between adjacent waveguides in the optical element.

Abstract: We investigate spin-wave propagation in a microstructured magnonic-crystal waveguide fabricated by localized ion implantation. The irradiation caused a periodic variation in the saturation magnetization along the waveguide. As a consequence, the spin-wave transmission spectrum exhibits a set of frequency bands, where spin-wave propagation is suppressed. A weak modification of the saturation magnetization by 7% is sufficient to decrease the spin-wave transmission in the band gaps by a factor of 10. These results evidence the applicability of localized ion implantation for the fabrication of efficient micron- and nano-sized magnonic crystals for magnon spintronic applications.

Abstract: Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like transmission was demonstrated in terahertz asymmetric parallel plate waveguides with two identical cavities. By shifting the position of the bottom cavity from the symmetric position in the propagation direction, both the phases of the propagating wave at resonances and the coupling strengths between two cavities are changed, resulting in exciting the additional asymmetric resonance and manipulating the detuning of two different resonant frequencies. The transparent peak between two resonances comes from the cancelation of symmetric and asymmetric resonances. We also use the physical picture of excitation of quasi-dark mode to explain this EIT-like transmission, which is similar to the metamaterial systems.

Abstract: Electrically small antennas are proposed, based on a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) and a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR). The antenna's electrical size is reduced by introducing both CSRR and the eight-mode substrate-integrated wave guide (EMSIW). A forward electromagnetic wave can be achieved with frequency below the characteristic waveguide cuff-off frequency due to the CSRR. The EMSIW occupies only 12.5% of the conventional SIW with the same dominant resonant frequency. In addition, by rotating the CSRR on the EMSIW, the resonant frequency of the antenna is varied, while maintaining the same radiation pattern and performance. The S-parameters and radiation patterns are investigated by a full-wave simulation and measurement. The resonant frequency is changed from 4.74 GHz to 5.07 GHz by varying the orientation of the CSRR from 0 to 360 degrees. Omnidirectional radiation patterns are observed, and the measured peak gains are 4.5-5.9 dBi.

Abstract: A new class of inline pseudoelliptic waveguide filters is presented in this paper. The proposed structure is based on a novel resonator, namely, the dual-post resonator, consisting of a pair of antipodal partial-height posts. The odd and even symmetry modes of the dual-post resonator are exploited as the resonant mode and nonresonating mode, respectively. The nonresonating mode generates a direct input-to-output coupling, thus providing a transmission zero that can be located either below or above the pole of the resonant mode. The coupling between the resonant mode and the source (or load), as well as the input-to-output coupling, can be controlled by properly selecting the height and position of each post of the dual-post resonator, no additional waveguide discontinuity being needed. N th-order filtering functions with a number of transmission zeros up to the number of poles can be realized by cascading N dual-post resonators. With respect to the conventional inline waveguide filter with inductive obstacles, the dual-post filter is easier to tune, shorter, and more selective, such advantages being paid by a somewhat lower Q factor. The design of fourth- and sixth-order dual-post filters is presented; the experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach proposed.

Abstract: A compact directional coupler fabricated on a silicon photonic platform is presented, with a power-splitting ratio that can be tuned through a transverse temperature gradient induced by a laterally shifted integrated heater. The tuning mechanism exploits the thermally induced phase velocity mismatch between the coupled modes of the silicon waveguides. The positions of the integrated heater and the waveguide design are optimized to maximize the tuning range and to reduce electric power consumption. Asynchronous devices with an intrinsic phase mismatch are demonstrated to be more efficient, providing a tunable coupled power from 0.7 to 0.01 with 36 mW maximum power dissipation.

Abstract: The integrated optical circuit is a promising architecture for the realization of complex quantum optical states and information networks. One element that is required for many of these applications is a high-efficiency photon detector capable of photon-number discrimination. We present an integrated photonic system in the telecom band at 1550 nm based on UV-written silica-on-silicon waveguides and modified transition-edge sensors capable of number resolution and over 40% efficiency. Exploiting the mode transmission failure of these devices, we multiplex three detectors in series to demonstrate a combined 79% +/- 2% detection efficiency with a single pass, and 88% +/- 3% at the operating wavelength of an on-chip terminal reflection grating. Furthermore, our optical measurements clearly demonstrate no significant unexplained loss in this system due to scattering or reflections. This waveguide and detector design therefore allows the placement of number-resolving single-photon detectors of predictable efficiency at arbitrary locations within a photonic circuit - a capability that offers great potential for many quantum optical applications.

Abstract: We experimentally demonstrate a three-dimensional plasmonic terahertz waveguide by lithographically patterning an array of sub-wavelength pillars on a silicon substrate. Doped silicon can exhibit conductive properties at terahertz frequencies, making it a convenient substitute for conventional metals in plasmonic devices. However, the surface wave solution at a doped silicon surface is usually poorly confined and lossy. Here we demonstrate that by patterning the silicon surface with an array of sub-wavelength pillars, the resulting structure can support a terahertz surface mode that is tightly confined in both transverse directions. Further, we observe that the resonant behavior associated with the surface modes depends on the dimensions of the pillars, and can be tailored through control of the structural parameters. We experimentally fabricated devices with different geometries, and characterized the performance using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The resulting waveguide character- istics are confirmed using finite element numerical simulations, and we further show that a simple one-dimensional analytical theory adequately predicts the observed dispersion relation.

Abstract: We investigate spin-wave propagation in a microstructured magnonic-crystal waveguide fabricated by localized ion implantation. The irradiation caused a periodic variation in the saturation magnetization along the waveguide. As a consequence, the spin-wave transmission spectrum exhibits a set of frequency bands, where spin-wave propagation is suppressed. A weak modification of the saturation magnetization by 7% is sufficient to decrease the spin-wave transmission in the band gaps by a factor of 10. These results evidence the applicability of localized ion implantation for the fabrication of efficient micron- and nano-sized magnonic crystals for magnon spintronic applications.

Abstract: This paper reports a fiber-to-chip coupler consisting of a silicon inverted taper and a silicon oxynitride (SiON) double stage taper, where the cascaded taper structure enables adiabatic mode transfer between a submicron silicon waveguide and a single mode fiber. The coupler, fabricated by a simplified process, demonstrates an average coupling loss of 3.6 and 4.2 dB for TM and TE polarizations, respectively, with a misalignment tolerance of ± 2.2 µm for 1 dB loss penalty.