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Metamaterials for classical and quantum data processing in all-optical fiber information networks

Anton N. Vetlugin, Angelos Xomalis, Salih Yanikgonul, Rui Juan Guo, Giorgio Adamo, Iosif Demirtzioglou, Yongmin Jung, Eric Plum, Cosimo Lacava, Periklis Petropoulos, David John Richardson, Cesare Soci, Nikolay I. Zheludev

Published Sep 17, 2019• 1 citation
OpenAlex

Abstract

We report on the use of fiber-integrated plasmonic metamaterial absorbers in signal processing applications in coherent information networks. Quantum states filtering, perfect nonlinear absorption, all-optical gating and encrypted signal distribution are demonstrated.

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Large distance implementation of quantum communication technologies requires coherent control of single photons in optical fiber networks. Here we demonstrate the phenomenon of coherent perfect absorption of single photons in a fully fiberized ultrathin plasmonic metamaterial fabricated at the end facet of an optical fiber. Continuous control of single-photon absorption probability is achieved by driving the network between the regimes of coherent total absorption and coherent total transmission. To circumvent phase fluctuations inherent to optical fiber networks, we implemented a reference-based postselection technique which yielded interference fringe visibility comparable to that of free space experiments. Coherent absorption of quantum light in fiber environment provides new opportunities for dissipative single-photon switching, filtering, and measurement, as well as for manipulation of entangled, weak coherent, and NOON states in optical fiber networks.
All-optical data processing continues to attract significant interest as a way to overcome the electronic signal processing bottleneck of fiber telecommunication networks. Nonlinear optical devices such as limiters and saturable absorbers rely on intensity-dependent attenuation of light. However, making such devices using intensity-dependent multiphoton dissipation processes is an issue as these make complete absorption and transmission impossible. Here, we show that nonlinear phase retardation in an optical fiber can control the dissipation of coherent light waves interacting on a thin plasmonic absorber from total absorption to perfect transmission. The fiber’s instantaneous Kerr nonlinearity and the femtosecond coherent absorption time scale make this approach ultrafast. We report proof-of-principle demonstrations of all-optical intensity discrimination, power limiting, pulse restoration, pulse splitting, and signal transfer between carrier wavelengths within a fiber circuit. Our results indicate that nonlinear control of coherent absorption can imitate and outperform saturable and multiphoton absorption in terms of bandwidth and contrast.