Microring-based modulation and demodulation of DPSK signal

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Communications
• Integrated Optics
• Semiconductor Devices

Background:

• Differential phase-shift-keying (DPSK) is a key modulation format in high-speed optical networks.
• Silicon photonics offers a scalable platform for integrated optical devices.
• Miniaturization of modulators and demodulators is crucial for reducing system footprint and cost.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and characterize ultra-small silicon microring resonator-based modulator and demodulator for 10 Gb/s DPSK signals.
• To investigate the performance trade-offs in the demodulator design.
• To evaluate the power penalty of the proposed integrated solution.

Main Methods:

• A single-waveguide microring resonator was designed for DPSK signal generation.
• A double-waveguide microring resonator filter was employed for balanced DPSK detection.
• Experimental characterization of the modulator and demodulator performance was conducted.

Main Results:

• The proposed devices enable ultra-small footprint modulation and demodulation for 10 Gb/s DPSK.
• A trade-off between pattern dependence and signal power in the demodulator was analyzed.
• A power penalty of only 0.8 dB was achieved compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• Silicon microring resonators provide an effective solution for compact and efficient DPSK modulation and demodulation.
• The proposed approach demonstrates a low power penalty, suitable for high-speed optical communication.
• Further optimization of demodulator design can potentially mitigate pattern dependence issues.