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Polarization multiplexing silicon photonic optical phased array with a wide scanning range
Optics Letters
|December 1, 2023
Summary
We demonstrate a novel silicon optical phased array (OPA) using polarization multiplexing. This technology achieves a wide 24.8° vertical scanning range with enhanced wavelength tuning efficiency on a silicon-on-insulator platform.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Integrated Optics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) are crucial for beam steering applications.
- Existing OPA designs often face limitations in scanning range and efficiency.
- Silicon photonics offers a scalable platform for integrated optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and experimentally demonstrate a polarization multiplexed silicon OPA.
- To achieve a wide scanning range and high wavelength tuning efficiency.
- To leverage the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform for OPA fabrication.
Main Methods:
- A polarization switch was integrated to control light polarization states.
- A polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) directed light into a superlattice grating antenna array.
- Waveguide grating parameters were optimized to enhance wavelength tuning efficiency.
- The OPA was fabricated on a 220 nm SOI platform.
Main Results:
- A wide vertical scanning range of 24.8° was achieved.
- A high wavelength tuning efficiency of 0.31°/nm was measured.
- The demonstrated OPA achieved a field of view (FOV) of 24.8° × 60°.
- Polarization multiplexing effectively utilized shared power splitter and phase shifter arrays.
Conclusions:
- Polarization multiplexing is a viable technique to enhance OPA performance.
- The demonstrated silicon OPA offers a wide scanning range and high efficiency.
- This technology holds promise for advanced beam steering and optical communication systems.
