Boston Chapter of the IEEE Photonics Society

Abstract:  Ultrafast nonlinear integrated photonic devices are key components for next-generation high-speed signal processing. These compact chip-scale devices are particularly well suited for processing systems that require a multitude of devices operating in parallel. Silicon-based materials have emerged as promising materials for power-efficient nonlinear photonic devices due to their large optical nonlinearity and low nonlinear loss.

In this talk, recent research into ultrahigh-speed all-optical processing utilizing silicon-based devices will be discussed. Due to large nonlinearities and long interaction lengths, nonlinear optical demonstrations are performed at very low power levels. Demonstrations in both crystalline and amorphous silicon for nonlinear applications in CW, ultrafast, and telecommunications regimes and demonstrate the potential for ultrabroad-bandwidth (> 55 THz) and low power operation. Additionally, recent demonstrations including a wavelength-agile near-IR optical parametric oscillator utilizing silicon-based waveguides will be discussed. While the minute photonic devices used in these demonstrations are typically hundreds of nanometers to microns in size, it is the nanoscale control of their features made possible with state-of-the-art nanofabrication that is crucial to unlock the unparalleled speed and bandwidth of such systems.

Biography:  Amy C. Foster is an Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Her research focuses on nanoscale design and control of silicon-based photonic devices. Recently, Dr. Foster has focused on validating hydrogenated amorphous silicon as a highly nonlinear, power-efficient material for parametric processes. Dr. Foster received her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University. Dr. Foster is the recipient of a 2012 DARPA Young Faculty Award.