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Hybrid plasmonic mode converter: theoretical formulation and design with a graphical approach
Applied Optics
|October 20, 2017
Summary
A new graphical design approach simplifies hybrid plasmonic mode converters (HPMCs). This method achieves high mode conversion efficiency (90.04%) and low insertion loss (<0.5 dB) for advanced photonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Plasmonics
- Optical Device Engineering
Background:
- Hybrid Plasmonic Mode Converters (HPMCs) are crucial for manipulating light in photonic integrated circuits.
- Performance degradation in HPMCs is often caused by polarization conversion and power losses, influenced by silicon core thickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified graphical design approach for HPMCs based on theoretical transmission-line networks.
- To optimize HPMC design for high mode conversion efficiency (MCE) and low insertion loss (IL).
Main Methods:
- Theoretical formulation using transmission-line networks for mode conversion analysis.
- Gradient ascent optimization of TM polarization fraction with modal index contours to determine structural asymmetry parameters.
- Analysis of polarization reversal applicability and performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Achieved MCE of 90.04%, IL of 0.4691 dB, and polarization conversion efficiency of 99.96% for a compact HPMC (<7×0.4 μm²).
- Demonstrated an 85% MCE bandwidth of 135 nm.
- Maintained IL below 0.5 dB over a 68-nm spectral range.
Conclusions:
- The proposed graphical design approach offers a simpler and more efficient method for designing HPMCs.
- The optimized HPMC exhibits excellent performance characteristics, suitable for integrated photonic applications.
- Polarization reversal is practically applicable for a significant portion of the device length, aiding design.
