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Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities
Published on: November 30, 2012
Novel, low-index waveguide as laser external cavity.
Alexandre Horth1, Nathaniel J Quitoriano
1Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Optics Express
|May 9, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a novel low-index waveguide for silicon photonics, achieving over 70% optical power confinement in a small 0.12μm2 area for advanced optical devices.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology
Background:
- Sub-wavelength optical confinement is crucial for miniaturizing photonic devices.
- Existing high-index and slot waveguides have limitations in fabrication and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel low-index waveguide design for silicon photonics.
- To demonstrate high optical power confinement in a compact area.
- To explore the engineering possibilities for tailoring waveguide properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a novel low-index waveguide structure.
- Optical characterization to measure power confinement.
- Simulations to compare properties with existing waveguide types.
Main Results:
- Achieved > 70% optical power confinement.
- Demonstrated confinement in a small area of 0.12μm2.
- Showcased the ability to engineer properties similar to high-index and slot waveguides.
Conclusions:
- The novel low-index waveguide offers a versatile platform for sub-wavelength active regions on silicon.
- This design bridges the properties of high-index and slot waveguides, indicating a design continuum.
- Enables fabrication of advanced components like quantum dot devices, modulators, and detectors.
