Multi-layer inverse design of vertical grating couplers for high-density, commercial foundry interconnects

Abstract

Density-based topology optimization is used to design large-scale, multi-layer grating couplers that comply with commercial foundry fabrication constraints while simultaneously providing beam profiles that efficiently couple to a single-mode optical fiber without additional optics. Specifically, we describe the design process and experimentally demonstrate both single- and dual-polarization grating couplers that couple at normal incidence (0° from the normal) with low backreflections (-13.7 dB and -15.4 dB at the center wavelength), broad 3 dB bandwidths (75 nm and 89 nm), and standard coupling efficiencies (-4.7 dB and -7.0 dB). The dual-polarization grating couplers exhibit over 30 dB of polarization extinction across the entire band. The devices were fabricated on the GlobalFoundries 45CLO CMOS platform and characterized across three separate wafers. This new design approach produces distinct features for multiple foundry layers and yields emitters with arbitrary, user-specified far-field profiles.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Aug 10, 2022
Source ID
10.1364/oe.466015

Entities

People

  • Alec M. Hammond
  • Joel B. Slaby
  • Michael J. Probst
  • Stephen E. Ralph

Organizations

  • Georgia Tech
  • National Science Foundation

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Microwave Engineering.
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.