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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
Published on: September 5, 2019
Polarization beam splitting using a birefringent graded photonic crystal
Eric Cassan1, Khanh Van Do, Jean Dellinger
1Institut d’Electronique Fondamentale, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Orsay 91405, France.
Optics Letters
|March 5, 2013
Summary
A novel birefringent graded photonic crystal (GPhC) efficiently splits light polarization. This technology enables smoother polarization splitting and manages polarization diversity in silicon photonic circuits.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Electromagnetism
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polarization beam splitters are crucial components in photonic integrated circuits.
- Existing methods often face challenges in achieving high efficiency and compact designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate an efficient polarization beam splitter using a birefringent graded photonic crystal (GPhC).
- To decouple light injection and beam splitting functions for improved performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a birefringent graded photonic crystal (GPhC) structure.
- Employing finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations for performance prediction.
- Experimental validation using scanning near-field optical microscopy on silicon-on-insulator fabricated samples.
Main Results:
- Predicted 160 nm operating bandwidth.
- Achieved insertion loss around 1 dB.
- Interpolarization crosstalk below -15 dB.
- Experimental evidence of the exploited electromagnetic phenomena.
Conclusions:
- Birefringent GPhCs offer an efficient solution for polarization beam splitting.
- This technology facilitates polarization diversity management in silicon photonics.
- Opens new avenues for advanced photonic circuit design.

