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Membrane distributed-reflector laser integrated with SiOx-based spot-size converter on Si substrate
Optics Express
|August 10, 2016
Summary
We integrated a novel laser with a spot-size converter on a silicon substrate, achieving high-speed, low-energy optical communication. This advancement enables efficient data transmission for future photonic integrated circuits.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Background:
- Integrated photonics requires efficient light sources and coupling.
- Silicon photonics offers a scalable platform for optical circuits.
- High-speed, low-power modulators are crucial for data centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate monolithic integration of a membrane distributed-reflector laser with a spot-size converter.
- To achieve high-speed direct modulation with low energy consumption.
- To reduce fiber coupling loss in integrated photonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Monolithic integration of a 50-μm-long-cavity membrane distributed-reflector laser.
- Incorporation of a tapered InP wire waveguide and an SiOx waveguide for spot-size conversion.
- Fabrication on a SiO2/Si substrate.
Main Results:
- Achieved 9.4-GHz/mA^0.5 modulation efficiency.
- Demonstrated 25.8-Gbit/s direct modulation at 2.5 mA bias current.
- Reported a low fiber coupling loss of 2.2 dB and energy cost of 132 fJ/bit.
Conclusions:
- Successful monolithic integration of a laser and spot-size converter on silicon.
- Demonstrated high-performance, energy-efficient direct modulation for optical communication.
- Paved the way for advanced silicon photonic integrated circuits.
