Dual-mode optical 2-to-4 decoder based on cascaded microring resonators

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Integrated Optics
• Silicon Photonics

Background:

• Optical decoders are essential for on-chip photonic integration, acting as logical hubs.
• Microring resonators (MRRs) are key components in integrated photonic circuits due to their resonant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically design and experimentally demonstrate a 2-to-4 optical decoder using cascaded silicon waveguide microring resonators.
• To leverage optical directed logic for converting electrical inputs to optical outputs.

Main Methods:

• Cascaded silicon waveguide microring resonators (MRRs) were designed and fabricated.
• Thermal tuning was employed to optimize the decoder's performance.
• Optical directed logic principles were utilized for device functionality.

Main Results:

• A functional 2-to-4 optical decoder was successfully demonstrated.
• A minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 15.56 dB was achieved at 1550.75 nm.
• The device exhibits dual-mode operation compatible with MRR switch arrays.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated silicon MRR-based optical decoder is a viable component for on-chip photonic integration.
• The device supports seamless integration into larger photonic networks for applications like address decoding and routing control.
• This work advances the development of integrated photonic logic devices.