Polarization-directed nanophotonic routers based on two-dimensional inorganic molecular crystals

Abstract

Photonic and plasmonic hybrid nanostructures are the key solution for integrated nanophotonic circuits with ultracompact size but relative low loss. However, the poor tunability and modulability of conventional waveguides makes them cumbersome for optical multiplexing. Here we make use of two-dimensional molecular crystal, α-Sb₂O₃ as a dielectric waveguide via total internal reflection, which shows polarization-sensitive modulation of the propagating beams due to its large polarization mode dispersion. Both experiments and simulations are performed to verify such concept. These Sb₂O₃ nanoflakes can be coupled with plasmonic nanowires to form nanophotonic beam splitters and routers which can be easily modulated by changing the polarization of the incidence. It thus provides a robust, exploitable and tunable platform for on-chip nanophotonics.