Next-generation on-chip supercontinuum light sources based on graphene-enabled extreme nonlinear optics

Objectif

With this ERC project I want to induce a paradigm shift in the development of integrated nonlinear optical devices. Nonlinear optics, the scientific discipline in which nonlinear light-matter interactions are studied, has been a very active area of research ever since the invention of the laser in 1960. Although this scientific branch has great application potential when implemented in on-chip optical waveguides, its promise for the development of widely usable integrated optical devices has not yet been fulfilled. The state-of-the-art of integrated nonlinear optical devices indeed does not comply with the requirements for widespread deployment as these devices rely on non-standard waveguide designs, large on-chip foot prints and/or impractical pump lasers.
Therefore, I propose in this project to eliminate the issues of the state-of-the-art devices by introducing novel material and device physics. More specifically, my goal is to exploit extreme, but practically unexplored, nonlinear optical properties of graphene-covered silicon waveguides to develop next-generation near-infrared-pumped nonlinear supercontinuum light sources. These will truly be “next-generation” sources as they will rely on standard waveguide design, ultra-compact foot prints and practical near-infrared pump lasers, while exhibiting unprecedented performances. The concrete objectives of my project are to theoretically study, model, fabricate and experimentally demonstrate three novel graphene-on-silicon-based nonlinear optical devices that rely on three different nonlinear optical effects, and the on-chip cascading of these novel devices to create the targeted “next-generation” near-infrared-pumped supercontinuum sources with up to four emission bands. Based on my theoretical and experimental research experience with nonlinearities in waveguides and my preliminary modeling results supporting the feasibility of these objectives, I believe that, with this ERC starting grant, I will be able to carry out this original “high-gain/high-risk” project. By doing so, I will introduce a paradigm shift in the development of integrated nonlinear optical devices enabling them to fulfill their long-awaited promise, and at the same time initiate a new era in the research on graphene and its nonlinear optical applications.

Champ scientifique

Régime de financement

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Institution d’accueil

VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL

Contribution de l’UE

€ 1 477 980,00

Adresse

PLEINLAAN 2
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgique

Région

Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad

Type d’activité

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Contact administratif

Wim Schreurs (Mr.)

Chercheur principal

Nathalie Vermeulen (Prof.)

Liens

Contacter l’organisation Site web

Coût total

Aucune donnée

Bénéficiaires (1)