Comparative analysis of evanescent Kerr nonlinearity in silica tapered optical nanofibers for ultra-fast alloptical switching toward quantum communication applications
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: We present a theoretical and numerical analysis of the evanescent Kerr nonlinearity in silica tapered optical nanofibers immersed in acetone at 532 nm, for ultra-fast all-optical switching in quantum communication systems. Building on core and cladding Kerr contributions, effective mode area, and evanescent fraction, this study introduces two key improvements. First, we perform a detailed modal analysis of the fundamental $\mathbf{H E}_{\mathbf{1 1}}$ and higher-order $\mathbf{T E}_{\mathbf{0 1}}$ modes to quantify their respective nonlinear coefficients. Second, we investigate how mode profiles influence light-matter interaction in the surrounding nonlinear medium. Results show that higher-order modes significantly enhance the evanescent Kerr contribution, which can become comparable to the core Kerr effect for nanofibers with diameters approximately twice the operating wavelength. These findings highlight the importance of fiber radius, mode structure, and material properties in optimizing nonlinear performance. The study provides practical design guidelines for compact, high-speed all-optical switches, which are promising for nonlinear photonic components in future quantum communication networks.
Institution: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7215115232