Dual-frequency sweeping light source based on four-wave mixing in silicon-on-insulator nano-waveguide

Four-wave mixing (FWM) is a well-known technique to achieve all-optical control wavelength conversion. We propose a well-designed silicon nano-waveguide based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) to achieve FWM conversion. Particularly, the original signal light continuously sweeps along the C band, and the generated idler light is correspondingly sweeping as the original signal is swept. The wavelengths of the idler and signal lights are symmetric with respect to the pump light wavelength. Simulation and experimental results of the FWM conversion properties are well-matched. With the pump light filtered out, a dual-frequency continuously sweeping laser source is achieved, which could be applied in dual-frequency scanning interferometry to eliminate dynamic errors in practical use.