Strategies for wideband light generation in nonlinear multimode integrated waveguides

In this paper we discuss two strategies to achieve wideband light generation through intermodal nonlinear parametric processes in multimode integrated waveguides. We outline how the interplay among intermodal interactions and high dispersion may lead to the generation of light characterized by substantial power spectral density if compared to supercontinuum sources. These results are valid independently of the waveguide material; however, our numerical simulations focus on silicon waveguides, which are nowadays at the core of integrated photonics. The long-term vision is that by exploiting an adequate number of intermodal processes, widely tunable radiation having high-power spectral density can be generated in a broad portion of the transparency window of silicon.