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Cornell University

Programmable On-Chip Nonlinear Photonics Revolutionizes the Field of Physics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research from Cornell University has made groundbreaking strides in the field of physics, specifically in the realm of nonlinear optics. The team, led by Ryotatsu Yanagimoto, has developed a photonic device with a highly programmable nonlinear functionality. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the applications of nonlinear optics, making it possible to perform tasks that were previously thought to be impossible.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team has developed a photonic device with a highly programmable nonlinear functionality, which allows for the arbitrary reconfiguration of the device's nonlinearity.
  • The device uses electric-field-induced ch nonlinearity and is engineered using a photoconductive layer and optical programming with a spatial light pattern.
  • The programmability of the device makes it possible to perform inverse design of grating structures in situ, as well as real-time feedback to compensate for fluctuations in operating and environmental conditions.
  • The device has been demonstrated to be capable of spectral, spatial, and spatio-spectral engineering of second-harmonic generation, showcasing its versatility.
  • The research has the potential to expand the applications of nonlinear optics to situations where fast device reconfigurability is desirable, such as in programmable optical quantum gates and quantum light sources.
  • The device has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Nature.

Statistics:

  • The research was conducted at Cornell University, specifically in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics.
  • The team consisted of Ryotatsu Yanagimoto, Benjamin A. Ash, Mandar M. Sohoni, Martin M. Stein, Yiqi Zhao, Federico Presutti, Marc Jankowski, Logan G. Wright, Tatsuhiro Onodera, and Peter L. McMahon.
  • The research was published in the journal Nature on October 21, 2025, with a reference number ID: NewsRx. Studies from Cornell University in the Area of Physics Reported (Programmable on-chip nonlinear photonics).
  • The citation for this news report is: NewsRx. Studies from Cornell University in the Area of Physics Reported (Programmable on-chip nonlinear photonics). Physics Week. October 21, 2025; p 704.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Cornell University in the Area of Physics Reported (Programmable on-chip nonlinear photonics). Physics Week. October 21, 2025; p 704.
  • Cornell University, School of Applied and Engineering Physics.
  • Nature, Volume 2025.

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