Wavelength conversion based on degenerate-four-wave-mixing with continuous-wave pumping in silicon nanowire waveguide

• Published in: Optics communications 2009-04, Vol.282 (8), p.1659-1663
• Main Authors: Jia, Lianxi, Geng, Minming, Zhang, Lei, Yang, Lin, Chen, Ping, Wang, Tong, Liu, Yuliang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Frequency conversion; harmonic generation, including high-order harmonic generation; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Nonlinear optics; Optical elements, devices, and systems; Optical waveguides and coupleurs; Optics; Phase conjugation, optical mixing; photorefractive and kerr effects; Physics; Wave optics; Wave propagation, transmission and absorption
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2008.12.056

We present a comprehensive numerical study on the all-optical wavelength conversion based on the degenerate four-wave-mixing with continuous-wave pumping in the silicon nanowire waveguide. It is well known that the conversion efficiency and the 3-dB bandwidth can be greatly affected by the phase-matching condition. Through proper design of the waveguide cross-section, its dispersion property can be adjusted to satisfy the phase-matching condition and therefore effective wavelength conversion can be achieved in a large wavelength range. Generally, the group velocity dispersion plays a dominant role in the wavelength conversion. However, the fourth-order dispersion takes an important effect on the wavelength conversion when the group velocity dispersion is near the zero-point. Furthermore, the conversion efficiency and the 3-dB bandwidth can also be affected by the interactive length and the initial pump power. Through the numerical simulation, the optimal values for the interactive length and the initial pump power, which are functions of the propagation loss, are obtained to realize the maximum conversion efficiency.