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Nonvolatile programmable silicon photonics using an ultralow-loss Sb2Se3 phase change material
Matthew Delaney1,2, Ioannis Zeimpekis1, Han Du1
1Zepler Institute, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK.
Science Advances
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed ultralow-loss programmable silicon photonics using Sb2Se3. This novel material enables high-density reconfiguration of optical functionalities on silicon chips, advancing future photonic processors and networks.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photonics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Next-generation silicon photonics require adaptable, reconfigurable, and programmable components.
- Existing phase change materials suffer from high optical losses, hindering integrated photonic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Sb2Se3 as a novel material for ultralow-loss programmable silicon photonics.
- To demonstrate unprecedented optical phase control and high-density reconfiguration capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the material properties of Sb2Se3 for photonic applications.
- Utilized nanophotonic digital patterning for optical functionality control.
- Fabricated and tested a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with Sb2Se3.
Main Results:
- Sb2Se3 exhibits ultralow optical losses and a large refractive index contrast.
- Achieved optical phase control exceeding 10π radians in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
- Demonstrated nanophotonic digital patterning with a significantly smaller footprint.
Conclusions:
- Sb2Se3 is a promising material for ultralow-loss programmable silicon photonics.
- The developed approach enables high-density reconfiguration of optical functions on-chip.
- This work paves the way for advanced photonic processors and quantum/neural networks.
