Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Co- and counter-propagating slow light systems

Toshihiko Baba, Keisuke Kondo

Published Jan 1, 2016• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

We report what we call co- and counter propagating slow-light systems based on the high nonlinearity in Si lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCWs). The intense slow-light pulse, as a control pulse, efficiently generates two-photon absorption and carrier plasma effects, which tunes the dispersion characteristics of the LSPCWs and spectrum of copropagating or counter-propagating slow-light pulse, as a signal pulse. Using the control pulse, we succeeded in experimentally demonstrating adiabatic wavelength conversion and its enhancement, delay tuning of up to 10 ps with a response time <10 ps, and temporal pulse compression of factor 9.9 in the signal pulse. Furthermore, we discussed theoretically the collision and reflection of the signal pulse counterpropagating against the control pulse through the photonic-bandgap shift, resulting in a large Doppler shift. Considering the detail of these phenomena, we clarified the relation and difference between the adiabatic wavelength conversion, cross-phase modulation, and Doppler shift, which have been unclear so far.

Related papers

Ultrafast Slow-Light Tuning Beyond the Carrier Lifetime Using Photonic Crystal Waveguides

Keisuke Kondo, Mizuki Shinkawa, Yohei Hamachi +3 more

We demonstrate ultrafast delay tuning of a slow-light pulse with a response time <10 ps. This is achieved using two types of slow light: dispersion-compensated slow light for the signal pulse, and low-dispersion slow light to enhance nonlinear effects of the control pulse. These two types of slow light are generated simultaneously in Si lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides, arising from flat and straight photonic bands, respectively. The control pulse blueshifts the signal pulse spectrum, through dynamic tuning caused by the plasma effect of two-photon-absorption-induced carriers. This changes the delay by up to 10 ps only when the two pulses overlap within the waveguide and enables ultrafast tuning that is not limited by the carrier lifetime. Using this, we succeeded in tuning the delay of one target pulse within a pulse train with 12 ps intervals.

Physical Review Letters•Jan 30, 2013•66 citations

Slow-light-induced Doppler shift in photonic-crystal waveguides

Keisuke Kondo, Toshihiko Baba

In this Rapid Communication, we theoretically discuss a large Doppler shift in a signal slow-light pulse in a photonic-crystal waveguide by considering its reflection at a quasilight speed mirror. The mirror is formed by the photonic band-gap shift induced by the high nonlinearity of a control slow-light pulse, which could be possible in a realistic device. In the simulation, the Doppler shift appears at multiple frequencies due to the Bloch nature of the photonic lattice. Larger but inefficient Doppler shifts occur through nonadiabatic processes, whereas the smallest but more efficient shift (i.e., the intraband Doppler shift) occurs through an adiabatic process. The occurrence of the intraband shift depends on whether the adiabatic process produces a complete reflection of the incident pulse, despite the fact that the pulse penetrates the mirror. A large band-gap shift and a moderately slow mirror satisfy this condition; otherwise, the shift ends at the halfway point.

Physical Review A•Jan 25, 2016•23 citations

Dynamic Wavelength Conversion in Copropagating Slow-Light Pulses

Keisuke Kondo, Toshihiko Baba

Dynamic wavelength conversion (DWC) is obtained by controlling copropagating slow-light signal and control pulse trajectories. Our method is based on the understanding that conventional resonator-based DWC can be generalized, and is linked to cross-phase modulation. Dispersion-engineered Si photonic crystal waveguides produce such slow-light pulses. Free carriers generated by two-photon absorption of the control pulse dynamically shift the signal wavelength. Matching the group velocities of the two pulses enhances the shift, elongating the interaction length. We demonstrate an extremely large wavelength shift in DWC (4.9 nm blueshift) for the signal wavelength. Although DWC is similar to the Doppler effect, we highlight their essential differences.

Physical Review Letters•Jun 6, 2014•39 citations

Optically Induced Indirect Photonic Transitions in a Slow Light Photonic Crystal Waveguide

Michel Castellanos Muñoz, Alexander Yu. Petrov, Liam O’Faoláin +3 more

We demonstrate indirect photonic transitions in a silicon slow light photonic crystal waveguide. The transitions are driven by an optically generated refractive index front that moves along the waveguide and interacts with a signal pulse copropagating in the structure. We experimentally confirm a theoretical model which indicates that the ratio of the frequency and wave vector shifts associated with the indirect photonic transition is identical to the propagation velocity of the refractive index front. The physical origin of the transitions achieved here is fundamentally different than in previously proposed refractive index modulation concepts with fixed temporal and spatial modulation frequencies; as here, the interaction with the refractive index front results in a Doppler-like signal frequency and wave vector shift. Consequently, the bandwidth over which perfect mode frequency and wave vector matching is achieved is not intrinsically limited by the shape of the photonic bands, and tuning of the indirect photonic transitions is possible without any need for geometrical modifications of the structure. Our device is genuinely nonreciprocal, as it provides different frequency shifts for co- and counterpropagating signal and index fronts.

Physical Review Letters•Feb 6, 2014•58 citations

Dispersion-controlled slow light in photonic crystal waveguides

Toshihiko Baba, Jun ADACHI, Norihiro Ishikura +4 more

Slow light with a markedly low group velocity is a promising solution for optical buffering and advanced time-domain optical signal processing. It is also anticipated to enhance linear and nonlinear effects and so miniaturize functional photonic devices because slow light compresses optical energy in space. Photonic crystal waveguide devices generate on-chip slow light at room temperature with a wide bandwidth and low dispersion suitable for short pulse transmission. This paper first explains the delay-bandwidth product, fractional delay, and tunability as crucial criteria for buffering capacity of slow light devices. Then the paper describes experimental observations of slow light pulse, exhibiting their record high values. It also demonstrates the nonlinear enhancement based on slow light pulse transmission.

Proceedings of the Japan Academy Series B•Jan 1, 2009•28 citations

Optically-induced Doppler shift in photonic crystal slow light waveguides

Keisuke Kondo, Toshihiko Baba

Doppler shift of signal light is obtainable by moving photonic bandgap mirror, which is dynamically formed by slow light pulse. Large wavelength shift from several 10 nm to a few 100 nm are numerically demonstrated.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Pacific Rim (CLEO-PR)•Aug 1, 2015•1 citation
We report what we call co- and counter propagating slow-light systems based on the high nonlinearity in Si lattice-shifted
photonic crystal waveguides (LSPCWs). The intense slow-light pulse, as a control pulse, efficiently generates
two-photon absorption and carrier plasma effects, which tunes the dispersion characteristics of the LSPCWs and
spectrum of copropagating or counter-propagating slow-light pulse, as a signal pulse. Using the control pulse, we
succeeded in experimentally demonstrating adiabatic wavelength conversion and its enhancement, delay tuning of up to
10 ps with a response time <10 ps, and temporal pulse compression of factor 9.9 in the signal pulse. Furthermore, we
discussed theoretically the collision and reflection of the signal pulse counterpropagating against the control pulse
through the photonic-bandgap shift, resulting in a large Doppler shift. Considering the detail of these phenomena, we
clarified the relation and difference between the adiabatic wavelength conversion, cross-phase modulation, and Doppler
shift, which have been unclear so far.
We demonstrate ultrafast delay tuning of a slow-light pulse with a response time <10 ps. This is achieved using two types of slow light: dispersion-compensated slow light for the signal pulse, and low-dispersion slow light to enhance nonlinear effects of the control pulse. These two types of slow light are generated simultaneously in Si lattice-shifted photonic crystal waveguides, arising from flat and straight photonic bands, respectively. The control pulse blueshifts the signal pulse spectrum, through dynamic tuning caused by the plasma effect of two-photon-absorption-induced carriers. This changes the delay by up to 10 ps only when the two pulses overlap within the waveguide and enables ultrafast tuning that is not limited by the carrier lifetime. Using this, we succeeded in tuning the delay of one target pulse within a pulse train with 12 ps intervals.
In this Rapid Communication, we theoretically discuss a large Doppler shift in a signal slow-light pulse in a photonic-crystal waveguide by considering its reflection at a quasilight speed mirror. The mirror is formed by the photonic band-gap shift induced by the high nonlinearity of a control slow-light pulse, which could be possible in a realistic device. In the simulation, the Doppler shift appears at multiple frequencies due to the Bloch nature of the photonic lattice. Larger but inefficient Doppler shifts occur through nonadiabatic processes, whereas the smallest but more efficient shift (i.e., the intraband Doppler shift) occurs through an adiabatic process. The occurrence of the intraband shift depends on whether the adiabatic process produces a complete reflection of the incident pulse, despite the fact that the pulse penetrates the mirror. A large band-gap shift and a moderately slow mirror satisfy this condition; otherwise, the shift ends at the halfway point.
Dynamic wavelength conversion (DWC) is obtained by controlling copropagating slow-light signal and control pulse trajectories. Our method is based on the understanding that conventional resonator-based DWC can be generalized, and is linked to cross-phase modulation. Dispersion-engineered Si photonic crystal waveguides produce such slow-light pulses. Free carriers generated by two-photon absorption of the control pulse dynamically shift the signal wavelength. Matching the group velocities of the two pulses enhances the shift, elongating the interaction length. We demonstrate an extremely large wavelength shift in DWC (4.9 nm blueshift) for the signal wavelength. Although DWC is similar to the Doppler effect, we highlight their essential differences.
We demonstrate indirect photonic transitions in a silicon slow light photonic crystal waveguide. The transitions are driven by an optically generated refractive index front that moves along the waveguide and interacts with a signal pulse copropagating in the structure. We experimentally confirm a theoretical model which indicates that the ratio of the frequency and wave vector shifts associated with the indirect photonic transition is identical to the propagation velocity of the refractive index front. The physical origin of the transitions achieved here is fundamentally different than in previously proposed refractive index modulation concepts with fixed temporal and spatial modulation frequencies; as here, the interaction with the refractive index front results in a Doppler-like signal frequency and wave vector shift. Consequently, the bandwidth over which perfect mode frequency and wave vector matching is achieved is not intrinsically limited by the shape of the photonic bands, and tuning of the indirect photonic transitions is possible without any need for geometrical modifications of the structure. Our device is genuinely nonreciprocal, as it provides different frequency shifts for co- and counterpropagating signal and index fronts.
Slow light with a markedly low group velocity is a promising solution for optical buffering and advanced time-domain optical signal processing. It is also anticipated to enhance linear and nonlinear effects and so miniaturize functional photonic devices because slow light compresses optical energy in space. Photonic crystal waveguide devices generate on-chip slow light at room temperature with a wide bandwidth and low dispersion suitable for short pulse transmission. This paper first explains the delay-bandwidth product, fractional delay, and tunability as crucial criteria for buffering capacity of slow light devices. Then the paper describes experimental observations of slow light pulse, exhibiting their record high values. It also demonstrates the nonlinear enhancement based on slow light pulse transmission.