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Thin-film thermo-optic Ge(x)Si(1-x) Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Optics Letters
|October 3, 2009
Summary
We developed germanium-silicon (Ge(x)Si(1-x)) Mach-Zehnder interferometers using the thermo-optic effect. These devices achieve 8 dB extinction and 88 kHz bandwidth, with potential for parameter optimization.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Integrated Photonics
Background:
- Mach-Zehnder interferometers are crucial for optical modulation.
- Thermo-optic modulators offer potential for high-speed applications.
- Germanium-silicon (Ge(x)Si(1-x)) alloys provide tunable optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate Ge(x)Si(1-x) Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
- To characterize their thermo-optic modulation performance.
- To investigate the influence of various parameters on device modulation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Ge(x)Si(1-x) based Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
- Experimental characterization of extinction ratio and power consumption.
- Measurement of 3-dB bandwidth.
- Theoretical modeling of parameter effects on modulation.
Main Results:
- Achieved 8 dB extinction ratio.
- Demonstrated a pi-phase-shift power requirement (P(pi)) of 245 mW.
- Measured a 3-dB bandwidth of 88 kHz.
- Calculated the impact of different parameters on Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulation.
Conclusions:
- Successfully demonstrated Ge(x)Si(1-x) Mach-Zehnder interferometers with viable performance metrics.
- The thermo-optic effect in Ge(x)Si(1-x) is suitable for optical modulation.
- Further optimization based on parameter analysis can enhance device performance.
