Low-loss and energy efficient modulation in silicon photonic waveguides by adiabatic elimination scheme

Abstract

High-speed Silicon Photonics calls for solutions providing a small footprint, high density, and minimum crosstalk, as exemplified by the recent development of integrated optical modulators. Yet, the performances of such modulators are hindered by intrinsic material losses, which results in low energy efficiency. Using the concept of Adiabatic Elimination, here, we introduce a scheme allowing for the low-loss modulation in densely packed waveguides. Our system is composed of two waveguides, whose coupling is mediated by an intermediate third waveguide. The signal is carried by the two outer modes, while the active control of their coupling is achieved via the intermediate dark mode. The modulation is performed by the manipulation of the central-waveguide mode index, leaving the signal-carrying waveguides unaffected by the loss. We discuss how Adiabatic Elimination provides a solution for mitigating signal losses and designing relatively compact, broadband, and energy-efficient integrated optical modulators.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jul 17, 2017
Source ID
10.1063/1.4994024

Entities

People

  • Haim Suchowski
  • Michael Mrejen
  • Nicolas Bachelard
  • Xiang Zhang
  • Yuan Wang

Organizations

  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Department of Energy
  • University of California

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Microwave Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics