Theoretical approach to a polarization-insensitive single-mode microring resonator

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Micro-ring resonators are crucial optical components but suffer from polarization sensitivity.
• This sensitivity limits their performance in various photonic applications.
• Existing designs often struggle to maintain single-mode and low-loss operation while addressing polarization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and analyze a novel MMI-coupled micro-ring resonator design.
• To achieve substantially reduced or zero polarization sensitivity.
• To maintain single-mode operation and low optical loss.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a polarization-independent, single-mode waveguide.
• Employing a specific combination of ridge width and etch depth for waveguide design.
• Designing MMI-coupled resonators with specific dimensions for reduced polarization dependence.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a significant reduction in polarization sensitivity for the proposed micro-ring resonator design.
• Maintained single-mode operation and low-loss characteristics.
• The design is applicable to larger resonators with a small free spectral range (FSR).

Conclusions:

• The novel MMI-coupled resonator design effectively mitigates polarization sensitivity issues.
• This provides a new method for controlling intrinsic polarization-dependent characteristics in waveguide microresonators.
• Offers a valuable tool for optical engineers designing polarization-insensitive photonic devices.