Nonlinear all-optical modulator based on non-Hermitian PT symmetry

All-optical modulators with ultrahigh speed are in high demand due to the rapid development of optical interconnection and computation. However, due to weak photon-photon interaction, the advancement of all-optical modulators is consequently hampered by the large footprint and high power consumption. In this work, the enhanced sensitivity around an exceptional point (EP) from parity-time (PT) symmetry theory is initiatively introduced into a nonlinear all-optical modulator design. Further, a non-Hermitian all-optical modulator based on PT symmetry is proposed, which utilizes the large Kerr nonlinearity from indium tin oxide (ITO) in its epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) region. The whole system is expected to operate around EP, giving rise to the advantages of nanoscale integration and large modulation depth. This presented modulator with high efficiency and high-speed all-optical control can be commendably extended to the design methodology of various nanostructures and further prompt the development of all-optical signal processing. (C) 2022 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

This research introduces the enhanced sensitivity around an exceptional point (EP) from parity-time (PT) symmetry theory into the design of nonlinear all-optical modulators. A non-Hermitian all-optical modulator based on PT symmetry is proposed, which utilizes the large Kerr nonlinearity from indium tin oxide (ITO) in its epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) region. This modulator operates around EP, offering advantages such as nanoscale integration and large modulation depth, and it can greatly contribute to the development of all-optical signal processing.