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Modulation of Nanowire Emitter Arrays Using Micro-LED Technology
Zhongyi Xia1, Dimitars Jevtics1, Benoit Jack Eloi Guilhabert1
1Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1RD Scotland, U.K.
ACS Nano
|April 17, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a scalable platform using micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) on CMOS arrays to individually control nanowire emitters. This breakthrough enables parallel operation for future large-scale photonic integrated circuits.
Area of Science:
- Nanophotonics
- Integrated Optics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Scalable and efficient excitation of nanophotonic emitters is crucial for advanced integrated photonic circuits.
- Current methods often lack the precision and scalability required for complex systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, scalable excitation platform for nanophotonic emitters.
- To demonstrate precise, individually addressable control of infrared emitters integrated into optical waveguides.
Main Methods:
- Heterogeneous integration of semiconductor nanowires onto micro-light-emitting diode (micro-LED) on CMOS arrays using transfer printing.
- Deterministic assembly of emitters within polymer optical waveguides.
- Optical pumping and modulation measurements of the integrated emitters.
Main Results:
- High yield and positional accuracy in assembling waveguide-coupled nanowire infrared emitters.
- Demonstrated direct optical pumping of emitters using micro-LED pixels.
- Achieved optical modulation (on-off keying) up to 150 MHz.
- Showcased individual control of multiple emitters in parallel using a micro-LED-on-CMOS array.
Conclusions:
- The developed micro-LED-on-CMOS platform offers a scalable solution for addressing nanophotonic emitters.
- This technology paves the way for large-scale, parallel-controlled photonic integrated circuits.
- Enables precise optical control and modulation of integrated infrared emitters.
