Work

Multi-input signal phase stabilization in photonic processors with on-chip feedback control

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Reconfigurability, coupled with stable output, is essential for scaling integrated photonic systems to large footprints and high channel counts. We address phase instability in multimode photonic processors by implementing an on-chip feedback control (FBC) scheme that stabilizes the relative phase of multi-port inputs. Following theoretical analysis and simulations for four input signals, we experimentally realize FBC in a 4 × 4 Hadamard transformation and achieve temporal output stabilization. With the feedback loop enabled, the processor maintains a normalized output-power drift below 0.006 per hour, demonstrating high long-term stability. The results align with predictions, confirming robust interference and coherent combining under active control. This method enables reliable operation of reconfigurable multimode interferometers for quantum and classical information processing and can be extended to larger processors.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.579969

Authors: Igor A. Litvin, Gökhan Elmas, Paul Kohl, Janis Nötzel

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

Funders: European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research