Periodically Poled Van der Waals Layered Materials for Second Harmonic Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in achieving macroscopic nonlinear conversion efficiencies while maintaining the micrometer thickness of van der Waals layered materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), for second-order nonlinear optical processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves periodically poled van der Waals layered materials, where slabs of the material are patterned and stacked with each slab twisted relative to the adjacent one, creating unique optical microcavities that enhance conversion efficiency beyond standard phase matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard quasi-phase-matching is used in van der Waals layered materials, then phase matching is achieved, but conversion efficiency is limited to macroscopic levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidphase matching quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The material is divided into multiple slabs with alternating orientations (twisted relative to adjacent slabs), creating a segmented structure that enables periodic poling. This segmentation allows the nonlinear optical response to be enhanced by constructing a periodic structure with period Λ, transforming the single-pass interaction into a cumulative effect that achieves macroscopic conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slabs are arranged in a periodic sequence with alternating orientations, creating a periodic poling structure. This periodic arrangement of dipoles with period Λ enables constructive interference of the generated second harmonic light throughout the material, achieving phase matching and macroscopic conversion efficiency that exceeds standard quasi-phase-matching by over 50%.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the material thickness is increased to achieve macroscopic conversion efficiency, then conversion efficiency improves, but the micrometer thickness of van der Waals materials is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The material is divided into multiple slabs with alternating orientations (twisted relative to adjacent slabs), creating a segmented structure that enables periodic poling. This segmentation allows the nonlinear optical response to be enhanced by constructing a periodic structure with period Λ, transforming the single-pass interaction into a cumulative effect that achieves macroscopic conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension, the solution uses horizontal stacking of slabs with alternating orientations. The periodic arrangement in the plane of the material creates an effective interaction length that achieves macroscopic conversion efficiency while maintaining the micrometer-scale thickness of individual van der Waals layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If slabs are stacked with twisting to create periodic poling, then conversion efficiency increases beyond standard phase matching, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidstacking structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The material is divided into multiple slabs with alternating orientations (twisted relative to adjacent slabs), creating a segmented structure that enables periodic poling. This segmentation allows the nonlinear optical response to be enhanced by constructing a periodic structure with period Λ, transforming the single-pass interaction into a cumulative effect that achieves macroscopic conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation parameter of the slabs is changed in a periodic manner, with each slab twisted relative to its neighbors. This parameter change creates a periodic poling structure with period Λ, which enables phase matching and enhances conversion efficiency. The systematic variation of orientation parameter transforms the material response from linear to highly nonlinear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach achieves a significant increase in single-pass conversion efficiency for second harmonic generation, surpassing standard quasi-phase-matching by over 50%, and enables broadband generation of photon pairs via quasi-phase-matched spontaneous parametric down-conversion.

Implementation Method 1

The method involves periodically poled van der Waals layered materials, where slabs of the material are patterned and stacked with each slab twisted relative to the adjacent one, creating unique optical microcavities that enhance conversion efficiency beyond standard phase matching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuasi-phase-matching:

Implementation Method 2

achieves a significant increase in single-pass conversion efficiency for second harmonic generation, surpassing standard quasi-phase-matching by over 50%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecond harmonic generation: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 3

Interfaces of the stacked slabs can provide one or more unique optical microcavities. The unique optical microcavities can increase a conversion efficiency beyond that achievable with standard phase matching

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical microcavity:

Implementation Method 4

The method involves periodically poled van der Waals layered materials, where slabs of the material are patterned and stacked with each slab twisted relative to the adjacent one

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeriodic poling:

Data Source

PatentUS20250194298A1System, method, and apparatus for conversion(s) in periodically poled layered semiconductor(s)

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

Exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for generating at least one periodically poled layered compound. Exemplary systems, methods, and apparatuses according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can include patterning a plurality of slabs of layered compounds and stacking the plurality of slabs with each slab twisted relative to each adjacent slab.