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Published on: November 30, 2012
Mid-infrared photonic crystal waveguides in silicon
Christian Reimer1, Milos Nedeljkovic, David J M Stothard
1INRS-EMT, 1650 Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada. reimer@emt.inrs.ca
Optics Express
|February 8, 2013
Summary
We designed and fabricated mid-infrared photonic crystal waveguides on silicon-on-insulator, demonstrating guided modes from 2.9 to 3.9 µm with high group velocity and measurable propagation loss.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) is a key platform for integrated photonics.
- Mid-infrared (MIR) applications require specialized waveguide designs.
- Photonic crystals offer unique light confinement and manipulation capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and characterize MIR photonic crystal waveguides on SOI.
- To demonstrate guided modes within the 2.9–3.9 µm wavelength range.
- To investigate the dispersion properties and propagation losses of these waveguides.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of photonic crystal waveguides on a silicon-on-insulator platform.
- Characterization using an intra-cavity Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) in a free-space setup.
- Fiber-coupled characterization with a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL).
- Dispersion measurements utilizing an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated guided modes in the 2.9–3.9 µm wavelength regime.
- Achieved a high measured group velocity up to n(g) = 12.
- Determined a propagation loss of 20 dB/cm.
Conclusions:
- Successful demonstration of MIR photonic crystal waveguides on SOI.
- Validation of the design for guiding light in the specified MIR range.
- The achieved group velocity and measured loss provide critical data for future MIR photonic device development.
