Comparative analysis of four-wave mixing of optical pulses in slow- and fast-light regimes of a silicon photonic crystal waveguide

We present an in-depth study of four-wave mixing (FWM) of optical pulses in silicon photonic crystal waveguides. Our analysis is based on a rigorous model that includes all relevant linear and nonlinear optical effects and their dependence on the group velocity, as well as the influence of free carriers on pulse dynamics. In particular, we reveal key differences between FWM in the slow- and fast-light regimes and how they are related to the physical parameters of the pulses and waveguide. Finally, we illustrate how these results can be used to design waveguides with optimized FWM conversion efficiency.