Dispersion properties of silicon and silica photonic nanowires for nonlinear applications

Dispersion properties of air-clad and silica-coated silicon photonic wires for nonlinear applications are investigated with exact solutions of Maxwell's equations. We show that the GVD of silicon nanowires can be tailored for different wavelengths in the infrared region of the spectrum. In comparison, air-clad silica tapered fibers require diameters of several micrometers in order to extend the zero dispersion points to the infrared wavelengths. By immersing silica wires in liquid we can obtain a minimum and flat GVD region in the infrared.