Time-varying media for analog optical computing

Levkovskaya V.M., Kharitonov A.V., Kharintsev S.S.

Publication in Journal of Optical Technology

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Левковская В.М., Харитонов А.В., Харинцев С.С. Нестационарные оптические среды как платформа для аналоговых суперкомпьютеров // Оптический журнал. 2024. Т. 91. № 5. С. 5–15. http://doi.org/ 10.17586/1023-5086-2024-91-05-5-15

Levkovskaya V.M., Kharitonov A.V., Kharintsev S.S. Time-varying media for analog optical computing [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2024. V. 91. № 5. P. 5–15. http://doi.org/ 10.17586/1023-5086-2024-91-05-5-15

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

Subject of study. A new class of artificial electromagnetic media — time-varying materials, the distinctive feature of which is the rapid modulation of optical parameters of the medium at ultrashort times, comparable to or shorter than the wave period. Aim of study. This work is aimed at developing a new platform for the implementation of analog optical computers. For this purpose, the dependences of the amplitudes and frequencies of waves formed upon interaction with a time-varying medium on the permittivity switching time and the magnitude of spectral dispersion are investigated. Method. The amplitudes of reflected and refracted electromagnetic waves are calculated using the time-domain finite element method. To describe the time-varying medium with spectral dispersion, a Lorentz model with time-dependent plasma frequency is used. The optical response from the medium exhibiting non-instantaneous switching is studied by considering the sigmoidal switching profile. Main results. It is shown that using the dispersive time-varying medium it is possible to obtain several spectral components that are shifted from the frequency of the incident light. Controlling the speed and depth of the permittivity switching allows one to adjust the amplitudes and frequencies of the time reflected/refracted waves respectively. To observe the reflected wave, the duration of switching should be comparable or less than the period of the incident wave. Practical significance. The results of this work are useful for the development of next-generation optical devices. The ability to flexibly control the amplitude and frequency of light waves by temporal modulation of homogeneous media opens up new possibilities for the realization of analog optical computers.

Keywords:

time-varying media, dispersion, analog computing, metamaterials

Acknowledgements:

this work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (№ 22-72-00091)

OCIS codes: 190.7110, 230.4320, 260.7120

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