Low-power continuous-wave frequency conversion in far-field optimized silicon photonic crystal nanocavities

The first demonstration of nonlinear frequency conversion by simultaneous SHG and THG in silicon PhC nanocavities using low-power continuous-wave light was demonstrated. Due to the optimized radiation pattern of our PhC nanocavities in the far-filed, efficient dual wavelength emission in the blue/green and red visible windows was achieved by optical excitation in the telecom bands and with a few tens of microwatts power. The low-power continuous-wave operation, wide tunability and full CMOS compatibility of our silicon nano-emitter are important features which add considerable weight to the opportunity of making silicon a truly pervasive material for photonics.