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Nonlinear modeling of waveguide photodetectors
Molly Piels1, Anand Ramaswamy, John E Bowers
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. molly@ece.ucsb.edu
Optics Express
|July 12, 2013
Summary
A new simulation method accurately models photodiode nonlinearities, including self-heating and 3D absorption. This technique guides the design of more linear waveguide photodetectors.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Optoelectronics
- Semiconductor Device Physics
Background:
- Photodiodes are crucial optoelectronic components.
- Nonlinearities in photodiodes limit performance, especially in waveguide designs.
- Accurate modeling of these nonlinearities is essential for device optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel simulation method for photodiode nonlinearities.
- To incorporate physical effects like 3D non-uniform absorption and self-heating into the model.
- To provide a tool for designing improved linear waveguide photodetectors.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new simulation technique for photodiode nonlinearities.
- Included three-dimensional non-uniform absorption and self-heating effects.
- Ensured compatibility with frequency-domain circuit components like transmission lines.
Main Results:
- Simulated saturated output power and third-order output intercept points for two waveguide photodiodes.
- Achieved excellent agreement between simulation results and experimental measurements.
- Validated the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed simulation method.
Conclusions:
- The new simulation method accurately captures photodiode nonlinearities.
- The technique offers valuable insights for designing future linear waveguide photodetectors.
- This work advances the understanding and simulation of optoelectronic device performance.
