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Low-Power consumption Franz-Keldysh effect plasmonic modulator
Optics Express
|June 13, 2014
Summary
This study presents a low-energy plasmonic modulator using the Franz-Keldysh effect in germanium on silicon. It achieves a 3.3 dB extinction ratio with minimal energy consumption, paving the way for efficient optical communication.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and optoelectronics
- Materials science
- Semiconductor device physics
Background:
- Plasmonic modulators are crucial for high-speed optical communication.
- Germanium-on-silicon (Ge-Si) offers CMOS compatibility for integrated photonics.
- Low energy consumption is a key challenge in modern optical modulators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a CMOS-compatible plasmonic modulator with low energy consumption.
- To leverage the Franz-Keldysh effect in germanium for modulation.
- To optimize modulator characteristics through electro-optical simulations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Franz-Keldysh effect in germanium on silicon.
- Performed integrated electro-optical simulations for optimization.
- Fabricated and tested a 30 µm long plasmonic modulator.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 3.3 dB extinction ratio at 1647 nm wavelength.
- Operated the modulator under a 3 V bias voltage.
- Demonstrated ultra-low energy consumption of 20 fJ/bit.
Conclusions:
- The developed germanium-on-silicon plasmonic modulator offers a promising solution for energy-efficient optical communication.
- CMOS compatibility and low power consumption are key advantages.
- The Franz-Keldysh effect in Ge-Si is effective for high-performance modulation.
