2014/09/02 by Lloyd Tinkler, Tinkler, L., P. M. Walker +15 · 2 citations
Chemistry · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics (cond-mat.mes-hall) #Optics (physics.optics) #Pattern Formation and Solitons (nlin.PS) #Photonic and Optical Devices #Spectroscopy and Laser Applications #Strong Light-Matter Interactions
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1409.0725
openalex publication_date 2014/09/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
New functionalities in nonlinear optics will require systems with giant optical nonlinearity as well as compatibility with photonic circuit fabrication techniques. Here we introduce a new platform based on strong light-matter coupling between waveguide photons and quantum-well excitons. On a sub-millimeter length scale we generate sub-picosecond bright temporal solitons at a pulse energy of only 0.5 pico-Joules. From this we deduce an unprecedented nonlinear refractive index 3 orders of magnitude larger than in any other ultrafast system. We study both temporal and spatio-temporal nonlinear effects and for the first time observe dark-bright spatio-temporal solitons. Theoretical modelling of soliton formation in the strongly coupled system confirms the experimental observations. These results show the promise of our system as a high speed, low power, integrated platform for physics and devices based on strong interactions between photons.