Third-order nonlinearities in silicon at telecom wavelengths

• DOI: 10.1063/1.1571665
• Publication Date: 2003-05-01T22:04:38Z
• Authors: M. Dinu; F. Quochi; H. Garcia
• Keywords: Figure of Merit; Two-Photon Absorption

The two-photon absorption coefficient and Kerr of bulk crystalline silicon are determined near the telecommunication wavelengths 1.3 1.55 μm using femtosecond pulses a balanced Z-scan technique. A phase shift sensitivity order 1 mrad is achieved, enabling accurate measurement third-order nonlinear coefficients at fluences smaller than 100 μJ/cm2. From (β∼0.8 cm/GW) (n2∼4×10−14 cm2/W) wavelength λ=1.54 μm, value F∼0.35 for figure merit all-optical switching determined.