Multiple Mode Couplings in a Waveguide Array for Broadband Near-Zero Dispersion and Supercontinuum Generation

Abstract

We achieve a broadband near-zero dispersion in a thin silicon nitride waveguide array at near-infrared utilizing the multiple mode couplings. Different orders of modes are coupled at four different wavelengths, generating eight zero dispersion wavelengths (ZDWs). The broadband near-zero dispersion profile within 90\xa0ps/nm/km is achieved, spanning over the spectral range of 1350$-$1900\xa0nm. Using the dispersion engineered waveguide array, an octave-spanning supercontinuum is numerically generated with a pump of 100 fs and 200 pJ. The concept of using multiple mode couplings to obtain broadband near-zero dispersion can be applied to other spectral regimes and material platforms as well, by engineering the structural parameters to shift the positions of the ZDWs.