Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
12:19
Measurement of Quantum Interference in a Silicon Ring Resonator Photon Source
Published on: April 4, 2017
8.9K
High-performance silicon photonic tri-state switch based on balanced nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Zeqin Lu1, Dritan Celo2, Hamid Mehrvar2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. zqlu@ece.ubc.ca.
Scientific Reports
|September 27, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a novel silicon photonic tri-state switch with blocking capability for crosstalk-free performance. This advancement significantly enhances on-chip N×N photonic switching technologies.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Switching
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Silicon photonic switches are crucial for on-chip optical communication.
- Existing dual-state switches (cross/bar) have limitations in crosstalk management.
- Advanced switching functionalities are needed for complex N×N switch fabrics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a novel silicon photonic tri-state switch.
- To demonstrate enhanced performance, including a blocking state for crosstalk suppression.
- To improve the functionality and performance of on-chip N×N photonic switching.
Main Methods:
- Design of a 2×2 balanced nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure.
- Utilizing carrier injection phase tuning for state control.
- Numerical experiments on an 8×8 dilated Banyan switch fabric.
Main Results:
- The tri-state switch offers high-speed, broadband, and crosstalk-free operation.
- The blocking state effectively suppresses crosstalk in N×N switch fabrics.
- Over 50 dB crosstalk suppression achieved in an 8×8 switch fabric.
Conclusions:
- The proposed tri-state silicon photonic switch extends the capabilities of current technologies.
- The blocking state offers a significant advantage for crosstalk suppression in large switch fabrics.
- This work paves the way for improved performance in on-chip N×N photonic switching.
