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Short bends using curved mirrors in silicon waveguides for terahertz waves.
Optics Express
|March 18, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a compact silicon 90-degree dielectric waveguide bend for terahertz waves. This component significantly reduces signal loss, enabling denser integration of terahertz photonic circuits.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Terahertz (THz) technology
- Waveguide engineering
Background:
- Dielectric waveguides confine and guide terahertz (THz) waves on sub-wavelength scales.
- Miniaturized photonic components are crucial for dense integration of THz devices.
- Waveguide bending is essential for integrating components in compact photonic circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact and low-loss silicon 90-degree bend for dielectric waveguides.
- To enable efficient signal routing in integrated terahertz photonic circuits.
Main Methods:
- Design of a short silicon 90-degree bend utilizing total internal reflection.
- Employing an elliptically curved outer facet and a rounded inner corner for the waveguide bend.
- Characterization of bend losses in the 600-750 GHz frequency range.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a very short silicon 90-degree waveguide bend.
- Achieved an average insertion loss of only 0.14 dB per bend.
- Operates effectively within the 600-750 GHz frequency range.
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated silicon bend offers a highly efficient solution for integrating terahertz photonic components.
- The low loss and compact size facilitate denser and more complex terahertz circuit designs.
- This advancement is key for developing practical terahertz systems and applications.
