Fano Resonance Phenomena in Microresonator Systems
Summary
Fano resonance arises from the interference between a discrete optical mode and a continuum of propagating states, giving rise to a characteristic asymmetric spectral profile. In microresonator systems—such as microring and microdisk cavities, photonic-crystal nanocavities and micro-bubble resonators—the interplay of tightly confined modes with bus-waveguides or feedback loops permits precise control of line-shape asymmetry, slope and extinction ratio. By engineering scatterers, embedded reflectors or air-holes within the coupling region, researchers can tailor the phase relationship between the resonant and continuum pathways, achieving extremely steep transmission slopes and high quality factors. Such engineered Fano resonances have been exploited for ultrahigh-sensitivity refractometric and temperature sensing, low-power all-optical switching, tunable narrow-band filtering and on-chip signal processing. The global significance of this field lies in its ability to enhance photonic integrated circuits for telecommunication, biochemical diagnostics and quantum information applications, by offering compact, low-loss and energy-efficient devices. Through continual advances in design methodologies and fabrication techniques, Fano-based microresonator platforms are paving the way for next-generation photonic systems that combine high performance with versatile functionality.
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Fano Resonance Phenomena in Microresonator Systems publication trend
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Technical terms
Fano resonance: An asymmetric spectral feature arising from interference between a discrete resonant mode and a continuum of states.
Microresonator: A microscale optical cavity that confines light in whispering-gallery or photonic-crystal modes with high quality factor.
Quality factor: A dimensionless parameter quantifying the ratio of stored energy to energy lost per oscillation, indicating resonance sharpness.
Extinction ratio: The contrast between peak and trough transmission intensities, reflecting the depth of resonance dip or peak.
Whispering-gallery mode: An optical mode circulating around the periphery of a circular microresonator, characterised by low radiative loss.
References
- Silicon-Based On-Chip Tunable High-Q-Factor and Low-Power Fano Resonators with Graphene Nanoheaters. Nanomaterials (2023).
- Fano resonance lineshapes in a waveguide-microring structure enabled by an air-hole. APL Photonics (2020).
- Photonic thermometer with a sub-millikelvin resolution and broad temperature range by waveguide-microring Fano resonance.. Optics Express (2020).
- Ultralow-energy and high-contrast all-optical switch involving Fano resonance based on coupled photonic crystal nanocavities.. Optics Express (2013).
- Coupled optical microcavities: an enhanced refractometric sensing configuration.. Optics Express (2008).
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