Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Optical nonlinearities arise when the response of a photonic system depends on light intensity. Radiation pressure can create such a nonlinearity by moving a mechanically compliant reflector, thereby shifting the phase of the reflected light. Based on measured properties, we predict a giant phase responsivity of 263 rad W$^{-1}$ and a device-equivalent $n_{2,\mathrm{eff}} = 5.4 \times 10^{-7}$ m$^2$ W$^{-1}$ for a silicon nitride membrane trampoline with serpentine springs. We introduce strength-range-aperture metrics for reflective phase elements. Among reported mechanical resonators compared under a common direct-reflection protocol, this trampoline is an outlier, combining high compliance, practical optical accessibility, and 99.85% retention of its small-signal phase responsivity through a full $2π$ reflected-phase shift. Practical implementation requires optical and thermal co-design. Our framework indicates design priorities for future mechano-optical phase elements.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Michaeli, Lior, Atwater, Harry A.
Institutions: Tel Aviv University, California Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G5394265450
OpenAlex ID: W7215041932