Compact silicon photonic resonance-assisted variable optical attenuator

Journal Article · Wed Nov 16 23:00:00 EST 2016 · Optics Express

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.24.027600 · OSTI ID:1338401

Wang, Xiaoxi ^[1]; Aguinaldo, Ryan ^[1]; Lentine, Anthony ^[2]; DeRose, Christopher ^[2]; Starbuck, Andrew L. ^[2]; Trotter, Douglas ^[2]; Pomerene, Andrew ^[2]; Mookherjea, Shayan ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, San Diego, CA (United States). Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Applied Photonic Microsystems

Here, a two-part silicon photonic variable optical attenuator is demonstrated in a compact footprint which can provide a high extinction ratio at wavelengths between 1520 nm and 1620 nm. The device was made by following the conventional p-i-n waveguide section by a high-extinction-ratio second-order microring filter section. The rings provide additional on-off contrast by utilizing a thermal resonance shift, which harvested the heat dissipated by current injection in the p-i-n junction. Finally, we derive and discuss a simple thermal-resistance model in explanation of these effects.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); National Science Foundation (NSF); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1338401
• Report Number(s): SAND2016-12881J; 650088
• Journal Information: Optics Express, Journal Name: Optics Express Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 24; ISSN 1094-4087; ISSN OPEXFF
• Publisher: Optical Society of America (OSA)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English