On-chip high-speed optical detection based on an optical rectification scheme in silicon plasmonic platform

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Nanotechnology
• Nonlinear Optics
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Nonlinear optical rectification (OR) is crucial for optical signal processing.
• Silicon plasmonic slot waveguides (PSWs) offer potential for miniaturized optoelectronic devices.
• Integrating electro-optic polymers can enhance nonlinear optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate the OR process in a silicon PSW infiltrated with an electro-optic polymer.
• To optimize PSW geometrical parameters for maximum OR efficiency.
• To explore the potential for high-speed optical detection and demodulation.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical investigation of the OR process.
• Numerical simulation and optimization of PSW geometrical parameters.
• Analysis of voltage responsivity, normalized OR efficiency, and frequency response.

Main Results:

• Predicted voltage responsivity over 1V/W and normalized OR efficiency of 2.25 × 10(-4)W(-1) in a compact PSW.
• Achieved high modulation speed of 400GHz and RF cut-off frequency up to 800 GHz.
• Demonstrated a flat OR response across a wide wavelength range (1.25μm–1.7μm).

Conclusions:

• The proposed silicon PSW with electro-optic polymer exhibits highly efficient OR.
• This design is suitable for high-speed broadband optical detection and demodulation on silicon chips.
• The findings pave the way for advanced integrated photonic devices.