Mid-infrared wavelength division (de)multiplexer using an interleaved angled multimode interferometer on the...

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is crucial for optical communication and sensing.
• Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) offers a robust platform for integrated photonic devices.
• Mid-infrared (mid-IR) applications require specialized WDM structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a low-cost, high-performance WDM structure in the mid-IR range.
• To enhance channel density and reduce channel spacing in integrated photonic devices.
• To utilize the silicon-on-insulator platform for efficient WDM.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an interleaved angled multimode interferometer (AMMI) structure on SOI.
• Utilizing single lithography and etching steps for device manufacturing.
• Characterization of the WDM device performance, including insertion loss and crosstalk.

Main Results:

• Achieved a doubled channel count and halved channel spacing compared to single AMMI designs.
• Demonstrated negligible extra insertion loss and crosstalk.
• Maintained a slight increase in device footprint.
• Confirmed the feasibility of low-cost fabrication using standard semiconductor processes.

Conclusions:

• The interleaved AMMI structure provides a high-performance, cost-effective WDM solution for mid-IR applications.
• The SOI platform is suitable for realizing dense WDM devices with minimal optical penalties.
• The demonstrated device shows potential for further performance improvements through design optimization.