High performance InP ring resonator for new generation monolithically integrated optical gyroscopes

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Indium Phosphide (InP) is a key material for optoelectronic devices.
• Achieving high quality factors (Q) in InP resonators is crucial for advanced photonic applications.
• Existing InP resonators have Q factors significantly lower than other low-loss technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first InP ring resonator with a quality factor (Q) of 10^6.
• To demonstrate a record Q value for InP technology, improving the state-of-the-art.
• To design a device for maximized Q-factor while maintaining sufficient resonance depth for practical use.

Main Methods:

• Device fabrication using metal-organic vapour-phase-epitaxy, photolithography, and reactive ion etching.
• Optical characterization to estimate performance parameters.
• Design optimization focused on Q-factor maximization.

Main Results:

• Experimentally demonstrated quality factor (Q) of the order of 10^6 for an InP ring resonator.
• Achieved a Q value one order of magnitude higher than the previous state-of-the-art for InP.
• Measured InP waveguide loss as low as 0.45 dB/cm.
• Resonance depth maintained at approximately 8 dB.

Conclusions:

• The achieved Q factor represents a significant advancement for InP photonic devices.
• The low waveguide loss and high Q factor pave the way for highly sensitive photonic sensors.
• Potential for a shot-noise-limited resolution of 10 °/h for an angular velocity sensor.