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Analysis and design of thermo-optical variable optical attenuator using three-waveguide directional couplers based on
Pengfei Qu1, Weiyou Chen, Fumin Li
1State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.
Optics Express
|December 10, 2008
Summary
A novel thermo-optical variable optical attenuator (VOA) on Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) achieves a 50 dB dynamic range with a 5-microsecond response time. This silicon-based device is suitable for integrated silicon optoelectronics.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Variable optical attenuators (VOAs) are crucial components in optical communication systems for controlling light signal intensity.
- Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology offers advantages for integrated photonics due to its high refractive index and CMOS compatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and simulate a thermo-optical VOA utilizing cascaded three-waveguide directional couplers on an SOI platform.
- To analyze the dynamic and static performance characteristics of the proposed VOA at a wavelength of 1550 nm.
Main Methods:
- Device design based on three cascaded three-waveguide directional couplers on an SOI wafer.
- Thermo-optical dynamic and static analysis.
- Optical propagation characteristic simulation at 1550 nm wavelength.
Main Results:
- Achieved a dynamic attenuation range from 0.14 dB to 50 dB.
- Demonstrated a refractive index variation of 0 to 5.55 x 10(-3), corresponding to a temperature change of 0 to 30 degrees C.
- Obtained a fast response time of approximately 5 microseconds, attributed to the Si/Al(2)O(3)/Si structure.
Conclusions:
- The designed thermo-optical VOA exhibits a wide dynamic range and fast response time.
- The device serves as a fundamental unit for fabricating multi-channel VOAs.
- Potential for integration into silicon optoelectronic circuits for advanced optical systems.
