Hybrid multimode resonators based on grating-assisted counter-directional couplers.

Area of Science:

• Silicon photonics
• Integrated optics
• Optical communications

Background:

• Advancements in silicon photonics aim to utilize higher-order waveguide modes for enhanced bandwidth.
• Optical processing devices for multiple modes can simplify architectures and enable flexible on-chip networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel hybrid resonator.
• To achieve dual resonance at the 1st and 2nd order modes of a silicon waveguide.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a hybrid resonator structure.
• Experimental characterization of the resonator's optical properties.
• Investigation of modal properties and conversion ranges.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a hybrid resonator with dual resonance at 1st and 2nd order modes.
• Achieved an 8 dB extinction ratio.
• Observed a 20 nm modal conversion range for the 1st order quasi-TE mode.

Conclusions:

• The proposed hybrid resonator effectively processes multiple waveguide modes.
• This device offers a pathway for reduced architectural complexity in high-bandwidth silicon photonic systems.
• The demonstrated performance highlights potential for flexible on-chip optical networks.