Low-loss and power-efficient phase shifter based on an optimized multimode spiral silicon waveguide.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Integrated Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) require efficient components to reduce power consumption.
• Thermo-optic phase shifters are key components in PICs, but often suffer from high power demands or losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a low-loss and power-efficient thermo-optic phase shifter on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform.
• To optimize multimode spiral waveguides and Bezier bends for reduced power consumption and crosstalk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a silicon-on-insulator platform for device fabrication.
• Optimized multimode spiral waveguide design for low propagation loss and crosstalk.
• Incorporated ultra-low loss 180° Bezier bends to minimize bending losses.

Main Results:

• Achieved an excess loss of only 0.36 dB at a 1550-nm wavelength.
• Demonstrated a power consumption of 4.87 mW/π.
• Successfully reduced crosstalk through waveguide optimization.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated thermo-optic phase shifter offers significant improvements in energy efficiency and loss.
• This technology is suitable for large-scale photonic integrated circuits, enabling lower power consumption.
• Optimized waveguide and bend designs are critical for high-performance silicon photonic devices.