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Ultra-compact and polarization-insensitive silicon waveguide 3 × 3 star-crossing based on composite subwavelength
Optics Letters
|August 2, 2024
Summary
We developed a novel silicon star-crossing device using metamaterials, achieving polarization-insensitive performance. This compact photonic integrated circuit component minimizes signal loss and crosstalk for optical communications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Silicon photonics is crucial for optical communication.
- Compact and efficient optical switches are needed.
- Polarization sensitivity remains a challenge in silicon photonic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first polarization-insensitive 3x3 silicon star-crossing.
- To address diffraction and mode interference in compact designs.
- To utilize composite subwavelength metamaterial waveguides.
Main Methods:
- Designed a 3x3 silicon star-crossing using nanohole and fan-shaped bent subwavelength gratings.
- Employed a standard 220nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform.
- Simulated and experimentally verified device performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved an ultra-compact footprint (12.68 x 10.98 µm²).
- Demonstrated low insertion loss (<0.2 dB / <0.3 dB for TE/TM).
- Showcased suppressed crosstalk (<-27.2 dB / <-23.6 dB for TE/TM).
- Experimental results confirmed low IL (<0.35 dB / <0.4 dB) and CT (<-31.5 dB / <-28.6 dB) in C-band.
Conclusions:
- The developed metamaterial waveguide structure enables polarization-insensitive operation.
- The device offers a promising solution for compact photonic integrated circuits.
- This technology advances optical switching capabilities in silicon photonics.
