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Silicon microring carrier-injection-based modulators/switches with tunable extinction ratios and OR-logic switching
Chao Li1, Linjie Zhou, Andrew W Poon
1Photonic Device Laboratory, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Optics Express
|June 18, 2009
Summary
Silicon microring modulators and switches with cross-coupling were demonstrated. Forward-biasing controls extinction ratio, enabling OR-logic switching, though pattern-dependent distortions were observed.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Integrated Optics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Silicon photonics enables advanced optical communication components.
- Carrier-injection devices offer efficient modulation and switching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate silicon microring modulators and switches utilizing waveguide cross-coupling.
- To investigate control mechanisms for extinction ratio and logic functionality.
- To analyze optical waveform characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of silicon microring resonators with integrated p-i-n diodes.
- Utilizing waveguide cross-coupling for device interaction.
- Applying electrical bias to tune optical properties and implement logic operations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated tunable extinction ratios by selectively biasing microring or cross-coupled waveguide diodes.
- Achieved OR-logic switching functionality by applying dual electrical data streams.
- Observed Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) pattern-dependent optical waveform distortions in both modulator and switch configurations.
Conclusions:
- Silicon microring structures with waveguide cross-coupling are viable for modulator and switch applications.
- Electrical control offers flexibility in device operation.
- Pattern-dependent distortions require consideration for high-speed data transmission.
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