Multimode light shaping: from optical fibers to nanodevices

Project Information

MODES

Grant agreement ID: 802682

DOI

10.3030/802682

Project closed

EC signature date 24 September 2018

Start date 1 December 2018

End date 30 November 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 450 455,00

EU contribution

€ 1 450 455,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - MODES (Multimode light shaping: from optical fibers to nanodevices)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project MODES arises in the framework of the emerging interest for nonlinear multimode processes in optical fibers, and wants to extend it to on-chip waveguides and nanoparticles, where the study of the nonlinear multimode dynamics is still on its infancy.This project is based on a unique key-idea: by properly engineering a multimode system, we can shape and master the nonlinear interactionsbetween the modes into play, and finally exploit themfor novel opportunities in several strategic areas.This project has therefore a dual nature: one key-idea and itsmultidisciplinary, heterogeneous applications. It focuses on 4 main strategic areas (SA) and identifies an objective (OBJ) for each one, which is related to a different nonlinear multimode interaction:

1) SA1: Support technology for Spatial Division Multiplexing (SDM)
OBJ1: the project investigates the development of wideband, all-fiber and multimode wavelength converters and amplifiers

2) SA2: High-capacity SDM data-transmission
OBJ2: the project investigates the existence of multimode solitons leading to an undistorted, high-quality propagation in multicore and multimode optical fibers

3) SA3: On-chip infrared optical sources
OBJ3: the project targets the development of on-chip, widely tunable optical sources that may be used to selectively detect important environmental gases in the whole infrared spectrum

4) SA4: Shaping the nonlinear radiation at nanoscale
OBJ4: the project aimsat developing a new theoretical insight into the way higher-harmonic radiation is emitted in complex nanostructures. Finally, it exploits this new knowledge in view of an ultrafast conversion from invisible to visible light.

By addressing new theoretical problems and unveiling a new multimode technology, MODES aimsat opening new frontiers in nonlinear optics and being a pioneer in the field of nonlinear multimode nanophotonics

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work of the project is progressing through 4 work-packages (WP) that are related to distinct activities.

WP1 addresses the development of multimode fiber amplifiers and converters, based on the exploitation of third-order (Kerr and Raman) intermodal nonlinear processes. The design and proof of principle operation of a wideband intermodal converter in a two-mode fiber has been demonstrated, as well as the experimental demonstration of novel techniques for all-optical control of the spatial beam intensity in multimode fibers and the development of a new high-gain wide-bandwidth Raman amplifier for the telecommunication spectral region.

WP2 focuses on multicore fibers, and specifically on the peculiar nonlinear effects that can be tailored by properly setting the cores size, geometry and core-to-core distance. A generalised theory has been developed that describes the nonlinear interaction between the cores in a multicore fiber. This opens the way to a variety of novel and unexplored nonlinear phenomena (e.g. multicore soliton transmission) that will be investigated in the second part of the project.

WP3 represents the counterpart of WP1 at the nanoscale. It focuses on intermodal nonlinear processes in silicon photonics waveguides. Several sets of on-chip waveguides have been designed, fabricated and are currently under testing. The whole work has led to a new theoretical understanding on the opportunities offered by these waveguides for mid-infrared generation. Experimental results include the demonstration of wideband conversion in a two-mode silicon nitride waveguide. In addition, new tools for optimal coupling and control of light into arrays of multimode waveguides have been investigated and are currently the target of experiments.

WP4 represents the counterpart of WP2 at the nanoscale. Specifically, WP4 focuses on intermodal nonlinear processes in arrays of strongly coupled nanoparticles. A numerical platform has been developed that allows investigating complex nonlinear phenomena in arbitrary-shaped nanoparticles as well as arrays of coupled nanoparticles. These tools can be used for optimal design of arrays to scale up the nonlinear conversion while keeping a relatively simple design in view of fabrication and testing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The outcomes mentioned above represent novel theoretical and/or experimental results where intermodal nonlinear processes are exploited in a variety of systems, from km-long optical fibers up to the nanoscale, so as to overcome the main limits imposed by single-mode systems. The first part of the project has put the basis for a thorough understanding of the complex dynamics involving these interactions in different platforms (optical fibers, silicon photonics waveguides, coupled system of nanoparticles). The second part of the project will build upon the knowledge and the first proof-of-principle demonstrations developed in the first part. The main objective is to increase bandwidth and conversion efficiency in fiber amplifiers (WP1) and on-chip waveguides (WP3); to explore experimentally the new scenarios envisaged in multicore fibers (WP2) and to demonstrate ultrafast conversion in strongly coupled arrays of nanoparticles (WP4).