Synchronized photonic modulators driven by surface acoustic waves

Area of Science:

• Integrated photonics
• Semiconductor device physics

Background:

• Photonic modulators are crucial components in integrated photonics.
• Existing modulators face limitations in tunability and frequency control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and characterize a novel tunable photonic modulator.
• To explore the use of surface acoustic waves for frequency control in modulators.
• To demonstrate the device's potential as a building block for complex photonic circuits.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a photonic modulator on an (Al,Ga)As material platform.
• Utilizing GHz surface acoustic waves to drive the modulator.
• Characterization of modulator performance, including frequency tunability.
• Comparison of experimental results with theoretical predictions.

Main Results:

• Successful design, fabrication, and characterization of a tunable photonic modulator.
• Demonstration of frequency manipulation using surface acoustic waves, including odd multiples of the fundamental frequency.
• Good agreement observed between theoretical models and experimental outcomes.
• The device exhibits tunability by adjusting acoustic power.

Conclusions:

• The developed (Al,Ga)As photonic modulator offers tunable frequency operation.
• Surface acoustic wave driving provides effective control over modulation frequencies.
• The device serves as a versatile building block for advanced integrated photonic systems.
• Potential for implementation across various material platforms.