Self-pulsing synchronization and optomechanical spiking with integrated nanocavities for analog computing

This thesis explores two topics at the intersection of nanophotonics, nonlinear dynamics, and neuromorphic engineering using integrated photonic and optomechanical crystal cavities.

In the first part, we investigate the synchronization of two self-pulsing photonic crystal nanocavities. Starting from the design, fabrication, and full characterization of a single self-pulsing cavity, we then study both unidirectional and bidirectional synchronization regimes. Rich dynamical phenomena are revealed, including multi-frequency locking, phase slips, and asynchronous states, all backed by detailed experiments and simulations.

In the second part, we turn to the spiking (all-or-none) dynamics of an electro-optomechanical crystal cavity. By combining optical and electrical control of the mechanical resonance, we achieve the spiking behavior, the manipulation of the spiking threshold, temporal summation, and refractory period—key ingredients of biological neuron-like behavior. Experimental results are in good agreement with our theoretical and numerical predictions.