Abstract

The convergence of optics and phononics, enabled by new nonlinear materials in which acoustic phenomena can be excited on small scales and nanoscale structures that enhance the interaction between sound and light, is unlocking innovations for chip-based information processing.

This paper will review recent breakthroughs that harness this optical–phononic interaction for a new paradigm in information processing, including tunable slow light, frequency comb sources and microwave photonic signal processing.

© 2012 Optical Society of America