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Compact silicon microring-assisted directional couplers for optical signal processing applications
Ashok M Prabhu1, Vien Van, Warren N Herman
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2V4, Canada. ashok.prabhu@ualberta.ca
Optics Letters
|April 17, 2009
Summary
We developed a compact microring-assisted directional coupler using silicon-on-insulator technology. This device exhibits Fano resonance, enabling applications in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), optical switching, and sensing.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Directional couplers are fundamental photonic components.
- Microring resonators offer versatile spectral control.
- Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) provides a robust platform for integrated photonics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel microring-assisted directional coupler.
- To explore its potential for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), switching, and sensing.
- To achieve tunable spectral characteristics, including Fano resonances.
Main Methods:
- Development of an analytical model based on strongly coupled mode theory.
- Fabrication of a compact device using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) material.
- Experimental characterization of transmission spectra using a microring resonator.
Main Results:
- The analytical model accurately predicted a wide range of spectral behaviors.
- Fabricated device exhibited sharp asymmetric Fano line shapes.
- Measured transmission spectra confirmed the predicted Fano resonance.
Conclusions:
- The microring-assisted directional coupler is a viable platform for advanced photonic applications.
- Fano resonance in this device enables precise spectral control.
- The SOI platform facilitates compact and efficient photonic integrated circuits.
