Uniform-loss cyclic arrayed waveguide grating router using a mode-field converter based on a slab coupler and...

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics
• Waveguide Devices

Background:

• Arrayed waveguide grating routers (AWGRs) are fundamental components in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) optical communication systems.
• Achieving uniform channel loss and low crosstalk in AWGRs is critical for system performance.
• Existing AWGR designs often face challenges with loss non-uniformity and crosstalk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel mode-field converter for silica-based 16×16 cyclic AWGRs.
• To improve channel loss uniformity and reduce crosstalk in AWGR devices.
• To enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of AWGRs without altering their fundamental construction or size.

Main Methods:

• A simple mode-field converter was designed, comprising a slab coupling region and auxiliary waveguides.
• The converter was integrated at the interface between the arrayed waveguides and the output star coupler.
• The converter modifies the mode field to produce a flat-top far field, optimizing light distribution.

Main Results:

• Loss non-uniformity in a 16×16 AWGR with 1.6 nm channel spacing was reduced from 3 dB to 0.5 dB.
• Crosstalk was improved by approximately 2 dB after implementing the mode-field converter.
• The device size and overall construction of the AWGR remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• The proposed mode-field converter effectively enhances the performance of silica-based AWGRs.
• This technique offers a simple and efficient solution for improving loss uniformity and crosstalk.
• The findings contribute to the development of more robust and high-performance optical networking components.