High-speed compact silicon photonic Michelson interferometric modulator.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optoelectronics
• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Silicon photonics is crucial for high-speed optical communication.
• Michelson interferometers are key components for optical modulation.
• Optimizing modulator performance requires understanding junction biases and driver impedance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and characterize a silicon Michelson modulator with short phase shifters.
• To investigate optical modulation using reverse-biased p-n and forward-biased p-i-n junctions.
• To demonstrate error-free operation at high data rates (up to 40 Gbps).

Main Methods:

• Detailed analysis and characterization of a silicon Michelson modulator.
• Investigation of optical modulation in reverse-biased p-n junctions.
• Exploration of forward-biased p-i-n junctions with pre-emphasized signals and varying test patterns.

Main Results:

• Achieved a low VπLπ of 0.72 V-cm under reverse bias with 500 μm phase shifters.
• Demonstrated first-time error-free operation up to 40 Gbps with lumped silicon interferometric modulators.
• Identified that lower impedance drivers enhance bandwidth for reverse bias operation.
• Observed clean eye diagrams up to 40 Gbps for forward bias, but error rates depended on test patterns.

Conclusions:

• Short-length silicon Michelson modulators can achieve high-speed, error-free optical modulation.
• Reverse bias operation offers high bandwidth potential, especially with optimized drivers.
• Forward bias operation is promising but requires careful consideration of test patterns for error-free performance.