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Acoustically driven arrayed waveguide grating
Optics Express
|September 15, 2015
Summary
We developed tunable wavelength-division multiplexers using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to control optical signals in waveguides. These devices offer a novel method for manipulating multiple light wavelengths efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science (AlGaAs)
Background:
- Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is crucial for optical communication.
- Tunable and compact WDM devices are highly sought after for advanced optical systems.
- Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) offer a promising method for dynamic optical control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate compact, tunable phased-array wavelength-division multiplexers.
- To investigate SAW-driven modulation of optical signals in integrated waveguide arrays.
- To present and compare two distinct device layouts for SAW-based WDM.
Main Methods:
- Monolithic fabrication of devices on (Al,Ga)As substrates.
- Integration of two coupler types: multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers and free-propagating regions.
- Application of a standing surface acoustic wave (SAW) to modulate the refractive index of an arrayed waveguide (WG) structure.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of tunable WDM operation across five wavelength channels with 2 nm separation.
- Observation of periodic path switching of wavelength components between adjacent output channels.
- Achieved good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results for SAW-driven WDM.
Conclusions:
- Compact, tunable phased-array WDM devices driven by low GHz SAWs are feasible.
- SAW-induced refractive index modulation effectively controls optical signal routing.
- The demonstrated devices show potential for advanced optical signal processing applications.
