Work

Broadband four-mode (de)multiplexer based on MMI using subwavelength grating structure

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mode (de)multiplexer is one of the key components of mode-division multiplexing (MDM) system, which is regarded as an effective approach to further enhance the transmission capacity of optical interconnects. However, its working bandwidth is intrinsically limited by the waveguides dispersion. To address this challenge, we present what we believe to be a novel broadband four-mode (de)multiplexer for on-chip MDM that combines subwavelength grating (SWG) with beam shaping techniques. The proposed device utilizes SWG-based multimode interference couplers (2??2 MMI and 4??4 MMI) and passive phase shifters to achieve simultaneous TE 0 ?TE 3 mode multiplexing. By implementing beam shaping through Y-junctions rather than conventional mode coupling, our design alleviates the wavelength sensitivity associated with intrinsic material group-velocity dispersion (GVD). Comprehensive simulations demonstrate exceptional performance across a 200 nm bandwidth (1450?1650 nm), with insertion loss (IL)?<?1.2 dB and crosstalk (CT)?<?-19 dB for all modes. This design provides a scalable solution of broadband (de)multiplexer for next-generation MDM systems, enabling significant capacity enhancement in photonic integrated circuits.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.564523

Authors: Renxuan Liu, Jin Wang, Guohua Hu, Binfeng Yun

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: National Natural Science Foundation of China

Award: G4299396620