Nonlinear Optics of Negative Index Metamaterials
Abstract
Our research was focused on the development of theoretical and numerical models for understanding, modeling and controlling linear and nonlinear interactions of light with graded-index photonic metamaterials (MMs) and their device applications. In particular, we predicted and investigated the resonant enhancement of electromagnetic waves propagating at oblique incidence in MMs near a point where the real part of the refractive index is zero. This effect occurs for both TE and TM polarizations near the point where the refractive index changes its sign at it transitions through zero. Our model elucidates the unique features of the resonant enhancement in "positive-to-negative transition" MMs for a broad frequency range from microwaves to optics. These results are likely to have several applications for low-intensity nonlinear optical devices, optical buffers, and antenna applications. Also, we investigated the effects of bi-stabilities, multi-stabilities and gap solitons in positive-negative index based nonlinear optical couplers. We found that although nonlinear optical couplers made of conventional positive index materials are not bistable (unless some additional components such as Bragg gratings or mirrors are introduced), in metamaterials-based couplers, bistability results from the effective feedback mechanism enabled by opposing directionality of the wave vector and the Poynting vector in negative index materials. These unusual properties of MM directional couplers form a basis for the development all-optical processing applications, including wavelength converters, flip-flops, and mirrorless lasers. Moreover, MMs allow for ultra-compact (subwavelength) design of such couplers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545305
Entities
People
- Natalia M. Litchinitser
Organizations
- University of Michigan