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Ultra-compact and broadband Si photonics polarization rotator by self-alignment process
Optics Express
|April 4, 2015
Summary
We developed a simple silicon photonics polarization rotator using a self-aligned process for improved performance and manufacturability. This device achieves high polarization conversion efficiency in a compact footprint.
Area of Science:
- Silicon photonics
- Integrated optics
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Polarization control is crucial for silicon photonics.
- Existing polarization rotators often suffer from complex fabrication or limited bandwidth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an ultra-simple polarization rotator on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform.
- To achieve high performance and manufacturability through a self-aligned process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing symmetry breaking in a channel waveguide with a single-sided slab.
- Employing a two-step lithography process compatible with mainstream silicon photonic integration.
Main Results:
- Achieved 93% polarization conversion efficiency at 1560nm.
- Demonstrated operation within a propagation length of less than 10μm.
- Inherited the flat-band operation characteristic (>100nm bandwidth) from asymmetric waveguide designs.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated ultra-simple polarization rotator offers a viable solution for efficient polarization control in silicon photonics.
- The self-aligned process enhances performance repeatability and manufactural yield.
- The device's compact size and broad bandwidth are advantageous for integrated photonic applications.
