New Nanocavity Design Unlocks Low-Power Microwave Generation

In the quest for advanced integrated photonic applications, the ability to generate high-frequency signals with minimal power consumption is paramount. This study introduces a novel silicon nanocrystal (SiNC/SiO[Formula: see text]) embedded slotted photonic crystal nanocavity. Engineered with precise width modulation, this structure explores optical bistability and self-pulsing behavior for microwave signal generation.

The cavity demonstrates impressive performance metrics. It achieves an ultra-high quality factor (Q) of [Formula: see text] and a low modal volume of [Formula: see text]. Theoretical modeling, incorporating Kerr nonlinearity, two-photon absorption, and free carrier effects, was used to analyze the bistability response. Simulation results revealed a low threshold power of [Formula: see text] for optical bistability under a -20 pm detuning condition.

Beyond its bistability, the cavity also demonstrates microwave frequency generation through self-pulsing oscillations. A fundamental mode and an observable second harmonic were detected at 21.34 GHz. Fabrication tolerance was also evaluated, with results showing that the design sustains performance with up to 9% randomness in hole radii, 12% in x-position, and 20% in z-position of air holes.

These findings collectively underscore the feasibility of the proposed nanocavity structure. As lead author Pradhan notes in the paper, "These findings confirm the feasibility of the proposed structure for low-power, high-frequency integrated photonic applications." This confirms its utility for integrated photonic applications requiring low power and high frequency.