Interplay between gain and loss in arrays of nonlinear plasmonic nanoparticles: toward parametric downconversion and amplification

Journal Article · Tue Mar 19 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Optics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.515621· OSTI ID:2325435

Shah, Syed A.; Clark, Michael R.; Zyss, Joseph; Sukharev, Maxim; Piryatinski, Andrei

With the help of a theoretical model and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations based on the hydrodynamic–Maxwell model, we examine the effect of difference-frequency generation (DFG) in an array of L-shaped metal nanoparticles (MNPs) characterized by intrinsic plasmonic nonlinearity. The outcomes of the calculations reveal the spectral interplay between gain and loss in the vicinity of the fundamental frequency of the localized surface plasmon resonances. Subsequently, we identify different array thicknesses and pumping regimes facilitating parametric amplification and spontaneous parametric downconversion. Our results suggest that the parametric amplification regime becomes feasible on a scale of hundreds of nanometers and spontaneous parametric downconversion on the scale of tens of nanometers, opening up new exciting opportunities for developing building blocks of photonic metasurfaces.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: W400A-XXJ4; 0230363ER
• OSTI ID: 2325435
• Journal Information: Optics Letters, Journal Name: Optics Letters Vol. 49 Journal Issue: 7; ISSN 0146-9592
• Publisher: Optical Society of America
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English