Hybrid superprism with low insertion losses and suppressed cross-talk

We demonstrate with the two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method that an adiabatic transition in a superprism with an interface along the [1 [overline 2]] direction enhances the transmission through the superprism to more than 90% (–0.5 dB) over the wavelength range 1.47–1.68 µm, including the telecommunication C and L bands. We also show that diffraction governed by a quasinegative index of refraction inside the superprism can be used to obtain nearly transform-limited beam widths at the output of the superprism. The reduction of the beam width at the output suppresses cross-talk and greatly enhances the achievable frequency resolution of the superprism

Towards a millivolt optical modulator with nano-slot waveguides

We describe a class of modulator design involving slot waveguides and electro-optic polymer claddings. Such geometries enable massive enhancement of index tuning when compared to more conventional geometries. We present a semi-analytic method of predicting the index tuning achievable for a given geometry and electro-optic material. Based on these studies, as well as previous experimental results, we show designs for slot waveguide modulators that, when realized in a Mach-Zehnder configuration, will allow for modulation voltages that are orders of magnitude lower than the state of the art. We also discuss experimental results for nano-slot waveguides

Mode matching interface for efficient coupling of light into planar photonic crystals

In order to integrate superdispersive elements based on photonic crystals, such as the superprism, with conventional integrated optics, insertion losses at the interface to the photonic crystal need to be reduced to an acceptable level. We describe a mode matching interface composed of cascaded diffraction gratings that generates the field profile of the photonic crystal Bloch mode from a slab mode. We calculate with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain computation that by interposing such a multilayered grating between an unpatterned slab and a planar photonic crystal, the insertion efficiency is enhanced from 9% to 84%. Each diffraction grating consists of a row of holes and does not require any additional process steps from those used to fabricate the planar photonic crystal. In order to optimize the efficiency of the mode matching interface, constructive interference conditions are imposed between successive gratings and reflections from individual gratings are suppressed. We fabricate devices in silicon on insulator material and show experimental evidence of the Bloch mode structure and of the mode matching mechanism

Electrically tuned photonic crystal/liquid crystal laser

The emission wavelength of ultra-small photonic crystal laser is electrically controlled with an applied gate voltage. High quality factor porous-cavity laser design enables strong interaction between strong optical fields and infiltrated liquid crystals

Optically triggered Q-switched photonic crystal laser

An optically triggered liquid crystal infiltrated Q-switched photonic crystal laser is demonstrated. A photonic crystal laser cavity was designed and fabricated to support two orthogonally polarized high-Q cavity modes after liquid crystal infiltration. By controlling the liquid crystal orientation via a layer of photoaddressable polymer and a writing laser, the photonic crystal lasing mode can be reversibly switched between the two modes which also switches the laser’s emission polarization and wavelength. The creation of the Q-switched laser demonstrates the benefits of customizing photonic crystal cavities to maximally synergize with an infiltrated material and illustrates the potential of integrating semiconductor nanophotonics with optical materials

Electrically tuned photonic crystal/liquid crystal laser

The emission wavelength of ultra-small photonic crystal laser is electrically controlled with an applied gate voltage. High quality factor porous-cavity laser design enables strong interaction between strong optical fields and infiltrated liquid crystals

Whispering Gallery Modes in Standard Optical Fibres for Fibre Profiling Measurements and Sensing of Unlabelled Chemical Species

Whispering gallery mode resonances in liquid droplets and microspheres have attracted considerable attention due to their potential uses in a range of sensing and technological applications. We describe a whispering gallery mode sensor in which standard optical fibre is used as the whispering gallery mode resonator. The sensor is characterised in terms of the response of the whispering gallery mode spectrum to changes in resonator size, refractive index of the surrounding medium, and temperature, and its measurement capabilities are demonstrated through application to high-precision fibre geometry profiling and the detection of unlabelled biochemical species. The prototype sensor is capable of detecting unlabelled biomolecular species in attomole quantities

Recent multivariate changes in the North Atlantic climate system, with a focus on 2005-2016

Major changes are occurring across the North Atlantic climate system, including in the atmosphere, ocean and cryosphere, and many observed changes are unprecedented in instrumental records. As the changes in the North Atlantic directly affect the climate and air quality of the surrounding continents, it is important to fully understand how and why the changes are taking place, not least to predict how the region will change in the future. To this end, this article characterizes the recent observed changes in the North Atlantic region, especially in the period 2005–2016, across many different aspects of the system including: atmospheric circulation; atmospheric composition; clouds and aerosols; ocean circulation and properties; and the cryosphere. Recent changes include: an increase in the speed of the North Atlantic jet stream in winter; a southward shift in the North Atlantic jet stream in summer, associated with a weakening summer North Atlantic Oscillation; increases in ozone and methane; increases in net absorbed radiation in the mid‐latitude western Atlantic, linked to an increase in the abundance of high level clouds and a reduction in low level clouds; cooling of sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, concomitant with increases in the western subtropical gyre, and a decline in the Atlantic Ocean's overturning circulation; a decline in Atlantic sector Arctic sea ice and rapid melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet. There are many interactions between these changes, but these interactions are poorly understood. This article concludes by highlighting some of the key outstanding questions