Photonic-plasmonic integrated devices

• Grant number: 23/12143-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Victor Anthony Garcia Rivera
• Grantee: Victor Anthony Garcia Rivera
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ben-Hur Viana Borges ; Danilo Manzani ; Delaizir ; Euclydes Marega Junior ; Ricardo Elgul Samad ; Sergio Celaschi ; Sidney José Lima Ribeiro ; Younes Messaddeq
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/11911-1 - PHOTONIC-PLASMONIC INTEGRATED DEVICES, BP.JP

Abstract

The constant advancement of telecommunications demands greater speed and data transmission capacity. To meet this growing demand, optical networks are evolving with the aim of maximizing their performance, incorporating reconfigurable circuits that adapt to dynamic network conditions. In this context, silicon (Si) photonics has established itself in the industry as a promising platform for integrated photonic circuits, thanks to its excellent electronic properties and mature and affordable manufacturing processes. However, the optical properties of Si still present limitations that need to be overcome for it to fully meet the requirements of next-generation optical networks. Here we propose to develop at the São Carlos Institute of Physics (IFSC) from University São Paulo (USP) the nucleation of a research line in photonic-plasmonic integration on Si wafer or silicon-on-insulator (SOI) with active optical materials. The group will develop under the Si and SOI platform and will have as pillars: (1) New active hybrid photonic materials: Design and manufacture of thin films by PLD or polymeric-hybrid films, both obtained from oxide glasses, ceramics or anti-glass with linear, non-linear properties or optical gain to be the substrates that were integrated as films on the Si or SOI. (2) Simulation: Effects of light interaction with plasmonic nanostructures under these hybrid films, i.e., quantum-plasmonic interaction. (3) Development of nanofabrication techniques for hybrid nanodevices for the optical telecommunications. (4) Characterizations: Evaluate the performance of those nanodevices, emphasizing the spontaneous and stimulated emission, optical gain and amplification, and attenuation, among other measurements . The goal of this project is to develop nanodevices that define the next generation of integrated photonics, pushing beyond current technological limits. This involves changing from optical-electrical to all-optical interconnects and developing appropriate packaging looking for its future commercialization. Through these advancements, the project aims to benefit the state of São Paulo, contributing to cutting-edge research and bolstering Brazil's industrial sector. (AU)