Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems
This research introduces a novel methodology of harnessing liquids to facilitate the realization of parity-time (PT)-symmetric optical waveguides on highly integrated microscale platforms. Additionally, we propose a realistic and detailed fabrication process flow, demonstrating the practical feasibi...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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The Royal Society
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Royal Society Open Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231200 |
| _version_ | 1827368468872167424 |
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| author | Franck Assogba Onanga Hengky Chandrahalim |
| author_facet | Franck Assogba Onanga Hengky Chandrahalim |
| author_sort | Franck Assogba Onanga |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This research introduces a novel methodology of harnessing liquids to facilitate the realization of parity-time (PT)-symmetric optical waveguides on highly integrated microscale platforms. Additionally, we propose a realistic and detailed fabrication process flow, demonstrating the practical feasibility of fabricating our optofluidic system, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical design and actual implementation. Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades on PT-symmetric systems across various fields, given their potential to foster a new generation of compact, power-efficient sensors and signal processors with enhanced performance. Passive PT-symmetry in optics can be achieved by evanescently coupling two optical waveguides and incorporating an optically lossy material into one of the waveguides. The essential coupling distance between two optical waveguides in air is usually less than 500 nm for near-infrared wavelengths and under 100 nm for ultraviolet wavelengths. This necessitates the construction of the coupling region via expensive and time-consuming electron beam lithography, posing a significant manufacturing challenge for the mass production of PT-symmetric optical systems. We propose a solution to this fabrication challenge by introducing liquids capable of dynamic flow between optical waveguides. This technique allows the attainment of evanescent wave coupling with coupling gap dimensions compatible with standard photolithography processes. Consequently, this paves the way for the cost-effective, rapid and large-scale production of PT-symmetric optofluidic systems, applicable across a wide range of fields. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:31:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6dbd21b54ee84ae8af4ca8e86d61053e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2054-5703 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T09:31:53Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | The Royal Society |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Royal Society Open Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-6dbd21b54ee84ae8af4ca8e86d61053e2024-01-31T00:05:54ZengThe Royal SocietyRoyal Society Open Science2054-57032024-01-0111110.1098/rsos.231200Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systemsFranck Assogba Onanga0Hengky Chandrahalim1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, USADepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, USAThis research introduces a novel methodology of harnessing liquids to facilitate the realization of parity-time (PT)-symmetric optical waveguides on highly integrated microscale platforms. Additionally, we propose a realistic and detailed fabrication process flow, demonstrating the practical feasibility of fabricating our optofluidic system, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical design and actual implementation. Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades on PT-symmetric systems across various fields, given their potential to foster a new generation of compact, power-efficient sensors and signal processors with enhanced performance. Passive PT-symmetry in optics can be achieved by evanescently coupling two optical waveguides and incorporating an optically lossy material into one of the waveguides. The essential coupling distance between two optical waveguides in air is usually less than 500 nm for near-infrared wavelengths and under 100 nm for ultraviolet wavelengths. This necessitates the construction of the coupling region via expensive and time-consuming electron beam lithography, posing a significant manufacturing challenge for the mass production of PT-symmetric optical systems. We propose a solution to this fabrication challenge by introducing liquids capable of dynamic flow between optical waveguides. This technique allows the attainment of evanescent wave coupling with coupling gap dimensions compatible with standard photolithography processes. Consequently, this paves the way for the cost-effective, rapid and large-scale production of PT-symmetric optofluidic systems, applicable across a wide range of fields.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231200parity-time symmetryoptofluidicsexceptional pointsmicrosystemsoptical waveguides |
| spellingShingle | Franck Assogba Onanga Hengky Chandrahalim Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems Royal Society Open Science parity-time symmetry optofluidics exceptional points microsystems optical waveguides |
| title | Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems |
| title_full | Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems |
| title_fullStr | Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems |
| title_short | Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems |
| title_sort | optofluidic passive parity time symmetric systems |
| topic | parity-time symmetry optofluidics exceptional points microsystems optical waveguides |
| url | https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.231200 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT franckassogbaonanga optofluidicpassiveparitytimesymmetricsystems AT hengkychandrahalim optofluidicpassiveparitytimesymmetricsystems |