A hybrid silicon single mode laser with a slotted feedback structure

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Photonic integration circuits (PICs) require efficient light sources.
• Hybrid integration of III-V materials with silicon photonics offers advantages in performance and scalability.
• Long-wavelength lasers are crucial for optical communication systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a III-V/Silicon hybrid single mode laser operating at a long wavelength.
• To demonstrate a novel mode selection mechanism for photonic integration.
• To achieve high side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) using standard fabrication processes.

Main Methods:

• Direct bonding of an InGaAlAs gain structure onto a patterned silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer.
• Implementation of a mode selection mechanism utilizing a slotted silicon waveguide.
• Utilizing standard photolithography for the entire technological process.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a III-V/Silicon hybrid single mode laser.
• Demonstration of a novel mode selection mechanism based on slotted silicon waveguides.
• Experimental achievement of a side mode suppression ratio greater than 20dB.

Conclusions:

• The presented hybrid laser is suitable for photonic integration circuits.
• The slotted silicon waveguide offers an effective and simple mode selection solution.
• This approach enables cost-effective fabrication of high-performance photonic devices.