Silicon nanoparticles for nonlinear frequency conversion of mid-IR radiation

Here a new way to use silicon nanoparticles for medium-infrared photonics is suggested. This contribution is focused on solving the fundamental problem of optical interaction between subwavelength silicon resonators and mid-IR laser radiation. In this spectral range the coefficient of two-photon absorption, which is the main mechanism for limiting the efficiency of nonlinear optical processes in silicon, is close to zero. The study provides answers to the fundamental questions about high-efficient nonlinear-optical transformations of four-wave mixing, and will serve as the basis for new nonlinear devices of integrated silicon nanophotonics. (paper)