Monolithically integrated 3D polymer Möbius ring resonator-waveguide system

Area of Science:

• Photonics and optical engineering
• Materials science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Integrated photonics relies on microresonators for spectral control.
• Möbius topology offers unique light propagation properties not yet explored in integrated photonic devices.
• Challenges exist in fabricating complex 3D structures with precise optical confinement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a monolithically integrated 3D polymer Möbius ring resonator-waveguide system.
• To investigate the optical properties and polarization-dependent behavior of the Möbius resonator at telecommunication wavelengths.
• To demonstrate topology-induced photonic control and spectral engineering.

Main Methods:

• Two-photon polymerization for 3D microfabrication.
• Optical transmission spectroscopy to analyze resonator performance.
• Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations for verification.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a 3D polymer Möbius ring resonator-waveguide system.
• Observed distinct, polarization-dependent transmission spectra.
• Demonstrated continuous polarization evolution along the Möbius path.
• Möbius resonator showed a halved free spectral range (FSR) compared to a conventional microtoroid.

Conclusions:

• The Möbius topology fundamentally alters light polarization behavior and resonance periodicity in integrated microresonators.
• This compact platform enables topology-induced photonic control and spectral engineering.
• The study opens new avenues for advanced integrated photonic devices.