Infrared Supercontinuum Generation in Multiple Quantum Well Nanostructures under Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates broadband mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in semiconductor quantum well structures using electromagnetically induced transparency, enabling low-power, integrated supercontinuum sources.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for supercontinuum generation in MQW systems under EIT, achieving broad spectra at very low power levels.

Findings

Broad supercontinuum spectra achieved with femtosecond pulses

Spectral broadening dominated by self phase modulation and modulation instability

Infra-red spectral broadening more pronounced in the far infra-red region

Abstract

Mid-infrared spectral broadening is of great scientific and technological interest, which till date is mainly achieved using non-silica glass fibers, primarily made of tellurite, fluoride and chalcogenide glasses. We investigate broadband mid-infrared supercontinuum generation at very low power in semiconductor multiple quantum well (MQW) systems facilitated by electromagnetically induced transparency. 100 femto-seconds pulses of peak power close to a Watt have been launched in the electromagnetically induced transparency window of a 30 period 1.374 {\mu}m long MQW system. Broadband supercontinuum spectra, attributed to self phase modulation and modulation instability, is achievable at the end of the MQW system. The central part of the spectra is dominated by several dips and the far infra-red part of the spectra is more broadened in comparison to the infra-red portion. Key advantage of the proposed scheme is that the supercontinuum source could be easily integrated with other semiconductor devices.