mikroresonatorn

A mikroresonatorn, or microresonator, is a nanoscale optical device designed to enhance and manipulate light. These structures are characterized by their small size, typically on the order of micrometers or even nanometers, which allows for strong confinement of light. The fundamental principle behind a microresonator's operation is resonance, where light of specific wavelengths is trapped and circulated within the structure. This trapping leads to an increased light intensity inside the resonator, a phenomenon known as the "enhancement factor."

Microresonators are fabricated using various materials, including silicon nitride, silicon, and lithium niobate, chosen for their optical properties and compatibility with microfabrication techniques. The shape of microresonators can vary, with common geometries including disks, rings, and spheres. The precise dimensions and shape are critical for determining the resonant wavelengths and the quality factor (Q-factor), which quantifies how long light remains trapped in the resonator.

The applications of microresonators are diverse and rapidly expanding. They are crucial components in optical sensors, where slight changes in the surrounding environment can shift the resonant wavelengths, enabling highly sensitive detection of analytes. In telecommunications, they are used for wavelength filtering and switching. Furthermore, microresonators are essential for nonlinear optics experiments, allowing for efficient generation of new optical frequencies and for studying light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Their compact size and potential for integration with other photonic components make them key building blocks for future optical integrated circuits.