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High-extinction-ratio silicon polarization beam splitter with tolerance to waveguide width and coupling length
Optics Express
|May 4, 2016
Summary
We developed a compact silicon polarization beam splitter using grating-assisted contradirectional couplers. This device achieves high extinction ratios and low losses, showing robustness to fabrication variations for reliable optical performance.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Polarization beam splitters (PBS) are crucial components in optical systems.
- Compact and efficient PBS designs are needed for integrated photonics.
- Silicon photonics offers a platform for miniaturized optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact silicon polarization beam splitter (PBS).
- To utilize grating-assisted contradirectional couplers (GACCs) for enhanced performance.
- To evaluate the device's performance and tolerance to fabrication variations.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a silicon PBS utilizing GACCs.
- Experimental characterization of extinction ratios and insertion losses for both polarizations.
- Analysis of device performance under variations in width and coupling length.
Main Results:
- Achieved extinction ratios over 30 dB and insertion losses below 1 dB.
- Demonstrated high polarization extinction ratios (>20 dB) with width variations of ±10 nm.
- Maintained extinction ratios >15 dB and insertion losses <2 dB across a coupling length range of 13.76–30.96 μm.
Conclusions:
- The GACC-based silicon PBS is compact and efficient.
- The device exhibits excellent performance and robustness to fabrication tolerances.
- This technology is promising for integrated photonic applications requiring precise polarization control.
