RESUMEN
Quantum state coherent frequency conversion processes-such as Bragg-scattering four-wave mixing (BSFWM)-hold promise as a flexible technique for networking heterogeneous and distant quantum systems. In this Letter, we demonstrate BSFWM within an extended (1.2-m) low-confinement silicon nitride waveguide and show that this system has the potential for near-unity frequency conversion in visible and near-visible wavelength ranges. Using sensitive classical heterodyne laser spectroscopy at low optical powers, we characterize the Kerr coefficient (â¼1.55 W-1m-1) and linear propagation loss (â¼0.0175 dB/cm) of this non-resonant waveguide system, revealing a record-high nonlinear figure of merit (NFM = γ/α ≈ 3.85 W-1) for BSFWM of near-visible light in non-resonant silicon nitride waveguides. We predict how, at high yet achievable on-chip optical powers, this NFM would yield a comparatively large frequency conversion efficiency, opening the door to near-unity flexible frequency conversion without cavity enhancement and resulting bandwidth constraints.
RESUMEN
Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is one of the most extensively studied materials in the strongly correlated electron family capable of sustaining an insulator-to-metal transition. Here we present our studies of high-quality thin films of epitaxially grown VO2 on c-Al2O3(0001) and TiO2(001) via reactive DC pulsed magnetron sputtering. We present the structural transition probed via Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) for the first time and we correlate the surface microstructure measurements with simulations before, during, and after the thermally induced transition. We also study the photoelectric conversion of VO2 on TiO2(001) and c-Al2O3(0001) under 405 nm light and demonstrate up to a 2000% increase in quantum efficiency as the power of the light is varied for VO2 on TiO2(001).