Work

On-chip polarization splitter using total internal reflection mirrors on thick SOI platform

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Wavelength independent manipulation of the state of polarization is essential for realizing broadband photonic integrated circuits (PICs). We present here, for the first time, the use of compact total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors in silicon waveguides to achieve wavelength-independent (within the limits of material dispersion), polarization-dependent phase shifts, which are also tolerant to fabrication errors. A potential application area is polarization splitters operating on a broad wavelength range that has been the focus of our first proof-of-concept demonstration. Our devices achieved a 15 dB polarization extinction ratio for 80 nm bandwidth for TE and TM polarized light. These broadband polarization splitters, when combined with polarization rotators, can be used to develop all-silicon fully integrated isolators and circulators.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.572244

Authors: Shahwar Dura, Mikko Harjanne, Matteo Cherchi, Timo Aalto

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: Academy of Finland

Award: Novel optical isolators to continue Moore's law in photonics integration (NOIMO)