Continuous control of the nonlinearity phase for harmonic generations

Guixin Li, Shumei Chen, Nitipat Pholchai, Bernhard Reineke, Polis Wing Han Wong, Edwin Yue Bun Pun, Kok Wai Cheah*, Thomas Zentgraf*, Shuang Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

426 Citations (Scopus)
160 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The capability of locally engineering the nonlinear optical properties of media is crucial in nonlinear optics. Although poling is the most widely employed technique for achieving locally controlled nonlinearity, it leads only to a binary nonlinear state, which is equivalent to a discrete phase change of π in the nonlinear polarizability. Here, inspired by the concept of spin-rotation coupling, we experimentally demonstrate nonlinear metasurfaces with homogeneous linear optical properties but spatially varying effective nonlinear polarizability with continuously controllable phase. The continuous phase control over the local nonlinearity is demonstrated for second and third harmonic generation by using nonlinear metasurfaces consisting of nanoantennas of C3 and C4 rotational symmetries, respectively. The continuous phase engineering of the effective nonlinear polarizability enables complete control over the propagation of harmonic generation signals. Therefore, this method seamlessly combines the generation and manipulation of harmonic waves, paving the way for highly compact nonlinear nanophotonic devices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)607-612
Number of pages6
JournalNature Materials
Volume14
Issue number6
Early online date13 Apr 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2015

Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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