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Optically-controlled extinction ratio and Q-factor tunable silicon microring resonators based on optical forces.
1Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 25, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a novel opto-mechanical method to tune silicon microring resonators using optical forces. This technique allows precise control over extinction ratio and Q-factor by deflecting a nanostring with light.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optoelectronics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tunability is crucial for optimizing microring resonator performance.
- Existing tuning methods often involve complex fabrication or external stimuli.
- Optical forces offer a promising avenue for non-contact manipulation in micro-devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple, light-controlled approach for tuning silicon microring resonators.
- To investigate the opto-mechanical tuning of extinction ratio (ER) and Q-factor.
- To compare the performance of double-clamped versus cantilever nanostring geometries.
Main Methods:
- Design of an opto-mechanical tunable silicon microring resonator.
- Incorporation of a deformable nanostring waveguide influenced by optical forces.
- Analysis of light-induced deflection altering the coupling coefficient and resonator parameters.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of tuning ER from 5.6 to 39.9 dB and Q-factor from 309 to 639.
- Identification of a cantilever nanostring structure as a favorable design.
- Achieved tuning via control power variation from 0 to 1.4 mW.
Conclusions:
- The proposed opto-mechanical method provides effective tunability for silicon microring resonators.
- Cantilever nanostring design offers a wide tuning range for ER and Q-factor.
- This approach enables precise optical control over resonator characteristics.
