Work

Reconfigurable on-chip polarizers enabled by phase-change-material-mediated loss engineering

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Active on-chip polarization control is essential for integrated photonic systems. Here, we propose reconfigurable on-chip polarizers based on a nonvolatile phase-change-material-assisted symmetric three-waveguide directional coupler. By exploiting the distinct coupling behaviors of TE and TM modes through controlled phase mismatch, the propagation path and attenuation of different polarizations can be independently engineered. Specifically, a TE-pass polarizer is realized by using Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 (GST) as a phase-matching and loss-control medium on the side waveguides, while a TM-pass polarizer is achieved by introducing a resonant GST-loaded section in the central waveguide that selectively suppresses the TE mode with a high extinction ratio. The proposed polarizers demonstrate broadband operation from 1500 nm to 1600 nm, with polarization extinction ratios over 20 dB for both configurations. This work provides a compact, reconfigurable, and nonvolatile strategy for high-contrast polarization control in silicon photonic integrated circuits.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.596789

Authors: Qipeng Wu, Guoxiang Wang, Xiang Shen, Yixiao Gao

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: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province

Awards: G6268628115, 超低功耗存算一体光电卷积加速器芯片研究