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Broadband 2 × 2 multimode interference coupler for mid-infrared wavelengths
Optics Letters
|November 1, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a subwavelength-structured multimode interference coupler for photonic integrated circuits. This new device doubles the operational bandwidth for mid-infrared sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Integrated Optics
- Optical Sensing
Background:
- Beam splitters are essential for photonic integrated circuits, often using multimode interference (MMI) couplers.
- Current MMI couplers have limited operational bandwidth, hindering mid-infrared (MIR) sensing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate a novel subwavelength-structured 2x2 multimode interference coupler.
- To enhance the operational bandwidth of MMI couplers for MIR applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 2x2 multimode interference coupler utilizing subwavelength structuring.
- Experimental characterization of the coupler's performance in the 3.1-3.7 µm wavelength range.
Main Results:
- Achieved high performance for the subwavelength-structured MMI coupler.
- Demonstrated a bandwidth of 3.1-3.7 µm, covering a significant portion of the MIR range.
- Doubled the operational bandwidth compared to conventional MMI coupler designs.
Conclusions:
- Subwavelength structuring is an effective method for enhancing MMI coupler bandwidth.
- The developed coupler shows promise for advanced MIR photonic integrated circuit applications, particularly in sensing.
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