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Compact thermo-optic MZI switch in silicon-on-insulator using direct carrier injection
Optics Express
|January 31, 2019
Summary
We developed a compact thermo-optic switch for autonomous vehicles. This device offers fast switching speeds and low optical losses, making it ideal for advanced automotive applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science for Optoelectronics
- Integrated Optics and Photonics
Background:
- Thermo-optic switches are crucial components in optical communication and sensing systems.
- Existing thermo-optic devices often face limitations in terms of speed, power consumption, or size.
- Autonomous vehicle systems require high-performance optical components for navigation and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel compact direct current injection thermo-optic switch.
- To optimize the switch for autonomous vehicle applications.
- To demonstrate low optical insertion losses and fast switching times.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer configuration.
- Implementing direct current injection for waveguide heating.
- Employing multimode interference for low optical losses.
- Configuring heating elements in parallel to tailor resistive values.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low heating resistance of 97 Ω.
- Demonstrated a rapid switching time constant of 2.16 μs.
- Reported a Pπ value of 28 mW.
- Attained optical insertion losses of less than 1.1 dB per device.
Conclusions:
- The developed thermo-optic switch is compact and efficient.
- Its performance characteristics are well-suited for autonomous vehicle applications.
- The parallel configuration of heating elements allows for design flexibility.
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