Abstract

We show through numerical simulations that silicon waveguides can be used to create a supercontinuum extending over $400\mathrm{nm}$ by launching femtosecond pulses as higher-order solitons. The physical process behind continuum generation is related to soliton fission, self-phase modulation, and generation of Cherenkov radiation. In contrast with optical fibers, stimulated Raman scattering plays little role. As low-energy $(\approx 1\mathrm{pJ})$ pulses and short waveguides ($<1\mathrm{cm}$) are sufficient for continuum generation, the proposed scheme should prove useful for practical applications.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

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