Surface phonon polaritons for infrared optoelectronics

In recent years, there has been significant fundamental research into surface phonon polaritons, owing to their ability to compress light to extremely small dimensions, low losses, and the ability to support anisotropic propagation. In this Perspective, after briefly reviewing the present state of m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2022-01, Vol.131 (3)
Main Authors: Gubbin, Christopher R., De Liberato, Simone, Folland, Thomas G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied physics
Infrared radiation
Light sources
Modulators
Optoelectronics
Phonons
Polaritons
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Summary:In recent years, there has been significant fundamental research into surface phonon polaritons, owing to their ability to compress light to extremely small dimensions, low losses, and the ability to support anisotropic propagation. In this Perspective, after briefly reviewing the present state of mid-infrared optoelectronics, we will assess the potential of surface phonon polariton-based nanophotonics for infrared (3–100  μm) light sources, detectors, and modulators. These will operate in the Reststrahlen region where conventional semiconductor light sources become ineffective. Drawing on the results from the past few years, we will sketch some promising paths to create such devices and we will evaluate their practical advantages and disadvantages when compared to other approaches to infrared optoelectronics.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/5.0064234