In this review, we survey the recent advances in nonlinear optics and the applications of two‐dimensional (2D) materials. We briefly cover the key developments pertaining to research in the nonlinear optics of graphene, the quintessential 2D material. Subsequently, we discuss the linear and nonlinear optical properties of several other 2D layered materials, including transition metal chalcogenides, black phosphorus, hexagonal boron nitride, perovskites, and topological insulators, as well as the recent progress in hybrid nanostructures containing 2D materials, such as composites with dyes, plasmonic particles, 2D crystals, and silicon integrated structures. Finally, we highlight a few representative current applications of 2D materials to photonic and optoelectronic devices.

Optics InfoBase is the Optical Society's online library for flagship journals, partnered and copublished journals, and recent proceedings from OSA conferences.

We observe spectral broadening of more than 350 nm, i.e., a 3/10-octave span, upon propagation of ultrashort 1.3-μm-wavelength optical pulses in a 4.7-mm-long silicon-photonic-wire waveguide. We measure the wavelength dependence of the spectral features and relate it to waveguide dispersion and input power. The spectral characteristics of the output pulses are shown to be consistent, in part, with higher-order soliton radiative effects.

We experimentally demonstrate a comparatively low-loss negative-index metamaterial with the magnitude of the real part of the index comparable with the imaginary part. Over 40% transmission is achieved in the negative-index region by structural adjustment of the impedance matching between the metamaterial and the air–substrate claddings. This structure has the potential of achieving high transmission and small loss in the negative-index region.

Topological photonics has revolutionized our understanding of light propagation, providing a robust way to manipulate light. So far, most of studies in this field are focused on designing a static photonic structure. Developing a dynamic photonic topological platform to switch multiple topological functionalities at ultrafast speed is still a great challenge. Here we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a reprogrammable plasmonic topological insulator, where the topological propagation route can be dynamically changed at nanosecond-level switching time, leading to an experimental demonstration of ultrafast multi-channel optical analog-digital converter. Due to the innovative use of electric switches to implement the programmability of plasmonic topological insulator, each unit cell can be encoded by dynamically controlling its digital plasmonic states while keeping its geometry and material parameters unchanged. Our reprogrammable topological plasmonic platform is fabricated by the printed circuit board technology, making it much more compatible with integrated photoelectric systems. Furthermore, due to its flexible programmability, many photonic topological functionalities can be integrated into this versatile topological platform.