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Ultra-low-power hybrid light–matter solitons

Author

Listed:
  • P. M. Walker

    (University of Sheffield)

  • L. Tinkler

    (University of Sheffield)

  • D. V. Skryabin

    (University of Bath
    ITMO University 197101)

  • A. Yulin

    (ITMO University 197101)

  • B. Royall

    (University of Sheffield)

  • I. Farrer

    (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
    Present address: Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.)

  • D. A. Ritchie

    (Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge)

  • M. S. Skolnick

    (University of Sheffield)

  • D. N. Krizhanovskii

    (University of Sheffield)

Abstract

New functionalities in nonlinear optics will require systems with giant optical nonlinearity as well as compatibility with photonic circuit fabrication techniques. Here we introduce a platform based on strong light–matter coupling between waveguide photons and quantum-well excitons. On a sub-millimetre length scale we generate picosecond bright temporal solitons at a pulse energy of only 0.5 pJ. From this we deduce a nonlinear refractive index three orders of magnitude larger than in any other ultrafast system. We study both temporal and spatio-temporal nonlinear effects and observe dark–bright spatio-temporal polariton solitons. Theoretical modelling of soliton formation in the strongly coupled system confirms the experimental observations. These results show the promise of our system as a high speed, low power, integrated platform for physics and devices based on strong interactions between photons.

Suggested Citation

  • P. M. Walker & L. Tinkler & D. V. Skryabin & A. Yulin & B. Royall & I. Farrer & D. A. Ritchie & M. S. Skolnick & D. N. Krizhanovskii, 2015. "Ultra-low-power hybrid light–matter solitons," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9317
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9317
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