Work

Hybrid integrated silicon nitride optical phased array with phase calibration for two-dimensional beam steering

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study introduces a hybrid, integrated two-dimensional multi-layer optical phased array architecture that is characterized by its compactness, low loss, high performance, and versatility. It is suitable for applications ranging from space communication to sensor integration. We have delineated the essential requirements for cost-effective, miniaturized, and widely applicable heterostructure silicon photonics and highlighted the benefits of this architectural approach. Our research demonstrates the key technologies underpinning the hybrid integrated optical phased array architecture, such as efficient multi-level conical waveguides, low-scattering interlayer couplers, compact cross waveguides, and sector-structured grating antennas. We have also showcased the phase calibration technology of optical phased arrays, which leverages deep reinforcement learning and have achieved two-dimensional beam steering using this on-chip silicon photonics platform, thereby confirming the algorithm's superiority. A pre-prepared optical phased array (OPA) utilizing thermal-optic (TO) phase control has achieved a field-of-view of in both horizontal and vertical directions. The proposed hybrid integrated platform holds the potential to enable low-power and high-speed beam steering capabilities.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.539929

Authors: Yunhan Wu, Ruitao Jiang, Yiqun Wang, Wei Fu

Institutions: Zhejiang Lab, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics

Language: English

Topic: Photonic and Optical Devices

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funder: China Postdoctoral Science Foundation