Nonlinear Optics in the CHIRP Research group at Bridgewater State University

This work presents progress in nonlinear optics research being conducted at Bridgewater State University in our state-of-the-art Photonics & Optical Engineering laboratory conducted by undergraduate students under the mentorship of Dr. Samuel Serna in the Nonlinear Integrated Photonics CHIRP research group. We discuss research projects that rely on pulsed lasers and utilize dispersion engineering methods to study nonlinear processes [1]–such as the optical Kerr effect in waveguiding materials. We venture into uncharted territories by modulating pulse intensity to induce phase delays in propagating frequencies, paving the way for groundbreaking developments in integrated waveguide design. This work stands as a cornerstone in CHIRP’s portfolio, our combined efforts with experts from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone in Japan have set a precedent in facilitating supercontinuum generation on a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC), fostering efficient entangled-photon sources on a PIC [2,3], realizing all-optical switching on a PIC, and pioneering the characterization of nonlinear constants in previously untested materials using Z-scan technique [4,5]. Furthermore, through our partnership with the Institut d'Optique in France we introduce D-Scan methods for dispersion characterization in various media and heterodyne detection strategies for the analysis of carrier dynamics in nonlinear materials [6]. We anticipate that our research will serve as a springboard for future innovations in photonics integrated circuits and hybrid material engineering.