Nonlinear optics in titanium dioxide: from bulk to integrated optical devices

Abstract

In this thesis, we explore titanium dioxide (TiO2) for ultrafast, on-chip nonlinear optics by studying it in bulk, thin films, and in integrated nonlinear optical devices. TiO2's large nonlinear index of refraction (30 times that of silica) and low two-photon absorption can enable all-optical switching, logic, and wavelength conversion across wavelengths spanning the telecommunications octave (800–1600 nm). In addition, its high linear index of refraction can enhance optical confinement down to nano-scale dimensions and facilitate the tight waveguide bends necessary for dense on-chip integration. Throughout this thesis, we develop TiO2 as a novel on-chip nonlinear optics platform.