Hyperband electro-optic modulator based on a two-pulley coupled lithium niobate racetrack resonator

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Integrated optical modulators (IOMs) are essential for on-chip photonic circuits but typically function within narrow spectral bands.
• Existing IOMs face limitations in spectral versatility, hindering their application in broadband photonic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel electro-optic (EO) modulator with broadband operation capabilities.
• To overcome the spectral limitations of conventional IOMs for enhanced photonic circuit functionality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the wide transparency window of lithium niobate.
• Employed the two-pulley coupled resonator method for device design.
• Fabricated a single-device hyperband EO modulator.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a hyperband EO modulator operating across an expansive spectral range from 775 to 1550 nm.
• Achieved half-wave voltage-length products of 0.25 V·cm at 1539.50 nm, 0.93 V·cm at 969.70 nm, and 0.68 V·cm at 775.17 nm.
• Showcased the device's performance across multiple wavelengths within the demonstrated hyperband.

Conclusions:

• The developed hyperband EO modulator significantly expands the operational spectral range compared to conventional IOMs.
• Lithium niobate combined with the coupled resonator method offers a promising platform for broadband photonic devices.
• This advancement enables more versatile and efficient on-chip photonic circuits for diverse applications.