Slow-light photonic crystal switches and modulators

Daryl M. Beggs, Thomas P. White, Tobias Kampfrath, Kobus Kuipers, Thomas F. Krauss

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We discuss the performance of slow-light enhanced optical switches and modulators fabricated in silicon. The switch is based on photonic crystal waveguides in a directional coupler geometry, and the dispersion of the device is engineered to allow a switching length as short as 5 mu m and rerouting of optical signals within 3 ps. The 3 ps switching time is demonstrated using free carriers in the silicon generated by the absorption of a femtosecond pump pulse. The modulator is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration, with photonic crystal waveguides in each arm to act as phase-shifters. A flat-band slow-light region has been engineered in the phase-shifters to provide an extinction ratio in excess of 15 dB over the entire 11 nm bandwidth of the modulator device.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSilicon Photonics V
EditorsJA Kubby, GT Reed
Place of PublicationBELLINGHAM
PublisherSPIE
Pages46060N
Number of pages12
Volume7606
ISBN (Print)978-0-8194-8002-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2010
EventConference on Silicon Photonics V - San Francisco
Duration: 24 Jan 201027 Jan 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE-The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7606
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceConference on Silicon Photonics V
CitySan Francisco
Period24/01/1027/01/10

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Slow-light photonic crystal switches and modulators'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this