Water Optical Nonlinearity: Explaining Anomalously Large Electro-Optic Coefficients in Poled Silica Fibres

TL;DR

This paper explains the large electro-optic effect in poled silica fibers by linking it to the high electro-optic coefficient of interfacial water, proposing water-based photonics as a new approach.

Contribution

It introduces a novel explanation for the anomalously large electro-optic coefficients in silica fibers, emphasizing the role of interfacial water and proposing water-based photonics.

Findings

Large electro-optic coefficient of interfacial water measured recently.

Water-based photonics enables new shaping and exploitation of optical processes.

Proposes liquid states of matter as a platform for advanced photonic applications.

Abstract

An explanation is offered for the large anomalous electro-optic (e.o.) effect reported by Fujiwara in 1994. It is based on the large e.o. coefficient of ordered water at an interface measured in recent years. The concept of water-based photonics is introduced, suggesting that liquid states of matter can allow ready shaping and exploitation of many processes in ways not previously considered.