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Updated: Jan 30, 2026
05:57
Characterization of SiN Integrated Optical Phased Arrays on a Wafer-Scale Test Station
Published on: April 1, 2020
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Thermo-optic control of the longitudinal radiation angle in a silicon-based optical phased array
Optics Letters
|January 16, 2019
Summary
This study presents a 1x16 silicon optical phased array (OPA) for 2D beam-steering. It utilizes thermo-optic and electro-optic effects for precise control of light direction.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) are crucial for beam manipulation.
- Efficient and wide-angle beam-steering is a key challenge in OPA technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate longitudinal and transversal beam-steering using a silicon OPA.
- To investigate the combined use of thermo-optic and electro-optic effects for 2D beam control.
Main Methods:
- A 1x16 silicon OPA with n-i-n thermo-optic radiators and p-i-n electro-optic phase shifters was fabricated.
- Longitudinal steering was achieved by modulating the refractive index via the thermo-optic effect.
- Transversal steering was accomplished using phase control through the electro-optic effect.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 2D beam-steering range of 10.0° in the longitudinal and 45.4° in the transversal directions.
- Demonstrated a tuning efficiency of 0.016°/mW for longitudinal beam-steering.
- Successfully integrated thermo-optic and electro-optic components for OPA functionality.
Conclusions:
- The developed silicon OPA enables effective 2D beam-steering.
- The combination of thermo-optic and electro-optic effects offers a viable approach for advanced optical beam control.
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