Fundamental lower size limit in wavelength selecting structures

TL;DR

This paper investigates the fundamental size limit of wavelength-selective structures using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, supported by experimental results with microring resonators, and discusses the principle's applicability in optical systems.

Contribution

It establishes the minimal size constraints of wavelength-selecting structures based on quantum principles and validates these findings through experimental microring resonator data.

Findings

Resonating structures with optical feedback have the smallest sizes for given wavelength selectivity.

Experimental microring resonators with Q ~ 3.4 x 10^4 support the theoretical analysis.

Discussion on the validity of the uncertainty principle in optical systems and hidden variables.

Abstract

The fundamental lower size limit in wavelength selecting structures is explored with the aid of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The analysis shows that for a given wavelength selectivity resonating structures with optical feedback have the smallest dimensions. Experimental results obtained with integrated optics microring resonators (Q ~ 3.4 x 10^4) confirm the analysis. In addition, a discussion is given on the validity of the uncertainty principle in terms of hidden variables or restricted knowledge on the system in question.