Mid-infrared all-optical modulation in low-loss germanium-on-silicon waveguides

All-optical modulation has been demonstrated in a germanium-on-silicon rib waveguide over the mid-infrared wavelength range of 2-3 μm using a free-carrier absorption scheme. Transmission measurements have shown the waveguides to have low propagation losses that are relatively independent of wavelength out to 3.8 μm, indicating that the modulation could be extended further into the mid-infrared region for applications in sensing and spectroscopy. By monitoring the material recovery, the free-carrier lifetime of the micron-sized waveguides has been estimated to be ∼18  ns, allowing for modulation speeds within the megahertz regime.