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Four-wave mixing and nonlinear losses in thick silicon waveguides
Optics Letters
|June 1, 2016
Summary
This study demonstrates ultra-compact silicon waveguides with low loss and reduced nonlinearities, enabling efficient generation of high idler power at 1550 nm for photonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Integrated Optics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Silicon photonics offers a scalable platform for integrated optical devices.
- Minimizing nonlinear losses and propagation losses is crucial for efficient light generation in waveguides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate four-wave mixing and nonlinear losses in low-loss silicon strip waveguides.
- To assess the potential for large idler power generation at 1550 nm.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3 μm thick silicon strip waveguides with adiabatic bends for single-mode operation.
- Measurement of nonlinear coefficient (γ) and propagation loss.
- Characterization of four-wave mixing performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultra-compact 35 cm long spiral waveguides with a large mode area (2.75 μm²).
- Observed reduced nonlinear losses and a nonlinear coefficient (γ) of 5.5 m⁻¹W⁻¹.
- Demonstrated low propagation loss of 0.17 dB/cm.
Conclusions:
- The developed silicon waveguides enable efficient light manipulation due to their low loss and large mode area.
- These waveguides are suitable for generating significant idler power at 1550 nm, advancing integrated photonic devices.
