An Introduction to Nonlinear Integrated Photonics: Structures and Devices

The combination of integrated optics technologies with nonlinear photonics, which has led to growth of nonlinear integrated photonics, has also opened the way to groundbreaking new devices and applications. In a companion paper also submitted for publication in this journal, we introduce the main physical processes involved in nonlinear photonics applications and discuss the fundaments of this research area. The applications, on the other hand, have been made possible by availability of suitable materials with high nonlinear coefficients and/or by design of guided-wave structures that can enhance a material's nonlinear properties. A summary of the traditional and innovative nonlinear materials is presented there. Here, we discuss the fabrication processes and integration platforms, referring to semiconductors, glasses, lithium niobate, and two-dimensional materials. Various waveguide structures are presented. In addition, we report several examples of nonlinear photonic integrated devices to be employed in optical communications, all-optical signal processing and computing, or in quantum optics. We aimed at offering a broad overview, even if, certainly, not exhaustive. However, we hope that the overall work will provide guidance for newcomers to this field and some hints to interested researchers for more detailed investigation of the present and future development of this hot and rapidly growing field.

Automated summary

The combination of integrated optics technologies with nonlinear photonics has led to groundbreaking devices and applications. Materials with high nonlinear coefficients and guided-wave structures enhance the nonlinear properties, enabling various applications in optical communications, signal processing, computing, and quantum optics. This field encompasses research on materials, fabrication processes, integration platforms, and waveguide structures.