DOE OSTI · 3021297
Quantum critical electro-optic and piezo-electric nonlinearities
Abstract
Although electro-optic (EO) nonlinearities are essential for many quantum and classical photonics applications, a major challenge is inefficient modulation in cryogenic environments. Guided by the connection between phase transitions and nonlinearity, we identify the quantum paraelectric perovskite SrTiO 3 as a strong cryogenic EO [>500 picometers per volt (pm/V)] and piezo-electric material (>90 picocoulombs per newton) at T = 5 K, at frequencies to at least 1 megahertz. Furthermore, by tuning SrTiO 3 toward quantum criticality, we more than double the EO and piezo-electric effects, demonstrating a linear Pockels coefficient above 1000 pm/V. Furthermore, our results probe the link between quantum phase transitions, dielectric susceptibility, and nonlinearity, unlocking opportunities in cryogenic optical and mechanical systems and providing a framework for discovering new nonlinear materials.
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Anderson, Christopher P. [Stanford University, CA (United States); University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)] (ORCID:0000000256240025), Scuri, Giovanni [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000310503114), Chan, Aaron [University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)] (ORCID:0009000588710473), Eun, Sungjun [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000255810233), White, Alexander D. [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:000000025387310X), Ahn, Geun Ho [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000247617804), Jilly, Christine [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000348798739), Safavi-Naeini, Amir [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000161761274), Van Gasse, Kasper [Stanford University, CA (United States); Ghent University (Belgium)] (ORCID:000000024286585X), Li, Lu [University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)] (ORCID:0000000280547406), Vučković, Jelena [Stanford University, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000246039686). 2025-10-23. Quantum critical electro-optic and piezo-electric nonlinearities. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adx8657
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