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Optics Express

Reconfigurable nonreciprocal light transmissions for multiband signals

Jun-Fang Wu, Yang Si-fang, Chao Li

Published May 25, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In practical signal processing and optical computing, multiple signals in different frequency bands usually require nonreciprocal transmission. However, to date, most proposed nonreciprocal systems based on nonlinear resonators only support a single working band. Here, we demonstrate that nonreciprocal light transmissions can be realized in multiple distinct spectral bands, solely via a single nonlinear multimode nanocavity triggered by a control pulse. More importantly, our results further show that the multiband nonreciprocal light transmission is reconfigurable, with high contrasts and reasonably broad per-band bandwidths. The underlying physical mechanism is revealed. The approach presented here is promising in the fields of optical signal processing, quantum computing, optical routers, and rectifiers.

DOI
10.1364/oe.593126

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In practical signal processing and optical computing, multiple signals in different frequency bands usually require nonreciprocal transmission. However, to date, most proposed nonreciprocal systems based on nonlinear resonators only support a single working band. Here, we demonstrate that nonreciprocal light transmissions can be realized in multiple distinct spectral bands, solely via a single nonlinear multimode nanocavity triggered by a control pulse. More importantly, our results further show that the multiband nonreciprocal light transmission is reconfigurable, with high contrasts and reasonably broad per-band bandwidths. The underlying physical mechanism is revealed. The approach presented here is promising in the fields of optical signal processing, quantum computing, optical routers, and rectifiers.
Controlling the flow of light is fundamental for on-chip optical signal processing. In this paper, we investigate how to realize high contrast, high unidirectional transmission rate, and reconfigurable nonreciprocal light transmission, based on a nonlinear nanocavity asymmetrically side-coupled with a specially designed slow-light waveguide. We analytically and numerically demonstrate that the unusual multiple threshold pump power points for trigging the photon transitions between bistable states, as well as the sensitivity of the dynamic interactions to the relative delay time between the signal light and pump pulse, play crucial roles in this optical diode system. Based on these findings, a high contrast (over 22 dB) and high unidirectional transmission rate (over 70%) optical diode is achieved. More importantly, the conducting direction of the optical diode can be controllably reversed, without the need of changing the signal's wavelength or power as usually done. This approach is promising in the fields of optical information processing and quantum computing.
Multi-band signal propagation and processing play an important role in quantum communications and quantum computing.In recent years, optical nonreciprocal devices such as an optical isolator and circulator are proposed via various configurations of atoms, metamaterials, nonlinear waveguides, etc.In this work, we investigate all-optical controlled nonreciprocity of multi-band optical signals in thermal atomic systems.Via introducing multiple strong coupling fields, nonreciprocal propagation of the probe field can happen at some separated frequency bands, which results from combination of the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect and atomic thermal motion.In the proposed configuration, the frequency shift resulting from atomic thermal motion takes converse effect on the probe field in the two opposite directions.In this way, the probe field can propagate almost transparently within some frequency bands of EIT windows in the opposite direction of the coupling fields.However, it is well blocked within the considered frequency region in the same direction of the coupling fields because of destruction of the EIT.Such selectable optical nonreciprocity and isolation for discrete signals may be greatly useful in controlling signal transmission and realizing selective optical isolation functions.
Nonreciprocal light propagation plays an important role in modern optical systems, from photonic networks to integrated photonics. We propose a nonreciprocal system based on a resonance-frequency-tunable cavity and intensity-adaptive feedback control. Because the feedback-induced Kerr nonlinearity in the cavity is dependent on the incident direction of light, the system exhibits nonreciprocal transmission with a transmission contrast of 0.99 and an insertion loss of 1.5 dB. By utilizing intensity-adaptive feedback control, the operating intensity range of the nonreciprocal system is broadened to 20 dB, which relaxes the limitation of the operating intensity range for nonlinear nonreciprocal systems. Our protocol paves the way to realize high-performance nonreciprocal propagation in optical systems and can also be extended to microwave systems.
We demonstrate nonreciprocal optical transmission for both intense classical fields and weak quantum signals within a reconfigurable optomechanical platform driven by three-mode parametric interactions. The platform is modular, where each three-mode optomechanical system serves as a fundamental building block. Operating independently, a single block achieves nonreciprocity for classical fields. Specifically, asymmetric radiation pressure from intrinsic optomechanical nonlinearity induces nonreciprocal mechanical displacement, modulating the cavity intensity through optomechanical feedback. This enables full isolation of backward transmission without requiring parameter initialization. Alternatively, for quantum signals, the platform is reconfigured by activating photonic and phononic exchange channels between the two blocks. In this configuration, nonreciprocity arises from quantum interference between direct photon hopping and indirect conversion pathways. Constructive interference enables unidirectional low-loss transmission, while destructive interference completely suppresses the reverse direction. After adiabatically eliminating the auxiliary modes, the optimal nonreciprocal frequency and the trade-off between insertion loss and nonreciprocal bandwidth can be controlled by engineering optomechanically induced mechanical dissipation. Additionally, the three-mode-based device requires less control-field power than two-mode systems under resolved-sideband conditions, demonstrating versatile potential for optical nonreciprocity applications across classical and quantum domains.
Abstract Optical transmission nonreciprocity as a widely investigated phenomenon is essential to various applications. Many sophisticated mechanisms have been proposed and tested for achieving the optical nonreciprocity on integrated scale, but the technical barriers still exist to their practical implementation. To have an ultra-high transmission nonreciprocity, we consider a simple physical mechanism of optical gain saturation applied to a structure of three mutually coupled cavities or fiber rings. The gain saturation processes in two of its components creates a significantly enhanced optical nonreciprocity that satisfies the requirements for the realistic applications. The structure enjoys two advantages of its wide working bandwidth and the flexibility in choosing its components. Moreover, it is possible to apply the structure to a faithful and non-reciprocal transmission of broadband pulse signals. The structure may considerably relax the constraints on the integrated photonic circuits based on the current technology.
We propose a theoretical method to realize nonreciprocal light transmission in an optomechanical device assisted by directional quantum squeezing. Specifically, we consider the device consisting of an optomechanical resonator and a nonlinear optical resonator with directional pumping. We find that optical squeezing occurs along the pump direction when the nonlinear resonator is directionally pumped, enabling nonreciprocal light transmission as well as nonreciprocal group delay (slow light) or advancement (fast light). Furthermore, we find that the efficiency of the second-order sidebands can be enhanced in one direction compared with the opposite direction. Our work provides a promising design for the application of directionally squeezed optomechanical devices in nonreciprocal optical communication and signal processing.