Cryogenic C-band wavelength division multiplexing system using an AIM Photonics Foundry process design kit

Area of Science:

• Superconducting computing
• Cryogenic environments
• Silicon photonics

Background:

• Cryogenic environments are essential for superconducting computing, reducing noise and resistance.
• High data rates in these systems increase cooling power demands due to heat dissipation and electrical transmission.
• Integrating silicon photonics with electronics offers a solution for higher data rates and lower power consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) for high-speed data transmission in cryogenic environments.
• To assess the performance of silicon photonics modulators at cryogenic temperatures.
• To explore the potential for increased aggregate data rates through wavelength division multiplexing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 4-channel wavelength division multiplexing PIC using AIM Photonics PDK.
• Testing modulator performance at room temperature and 40 K.
• Demonstrating 2-channel operation at 20 Gbps aggregate data rate at 40 K.

Main Results:

• The 4-channel PIC demonstrated operation at 25 Gbps at room temperature.
• Modulators achieved 10 Gbps at 40 K.
• 2-channel operation at 40 K yielded an aggregate data rate of 20 Gbps.

Conclusions:

• Silicon photonics integration is a viable strategy for high-data-rate, low-power cryogenic computing.
• The demonstrated PIC shows potential for further scaling to higher aggregate bit rates.
• This technology can significantly reduce the cooling power costs associated with superconducting systems.