Broadband and CMOS compatible polarization splitter-rotator based on a bi-level taper

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Polarization diversity schemes are crucial for optical communication systems.
• Compact and efficient polarization management devices are needed for integrated photonic circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and optimize a novel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) based polarization splitter-rotator (PSR).
• To achieve broadband operation with high performance in a compact footprint.

Main Methods:

• Design and simulation of a PSR based on an asymmetrical evanescent coupler.
• Incorporation of mode conversion tapers and mode sorting asymmetric Y junctions.
• Optimization using silicon dioxide upper cladding and silicon nitride waveguide.

Main Results:

• Achieved mode conversion loss below 0.2 dB.
• Obtained an extinction ratio below -17 dB.
• Demonstrated broadband performance across the 1.48µm to 1.67µm wavelength range.

Conclusions:

• The proposed SOI polarization splitter-rotator is highly efficient and compact.
• The device exhibits excellent performance over a broad wavelength range, suitable for optical communication.
• This design advances integrated photonic components for polarization diversity applications.