ASOC/sup TM/-a silicon-based integrated optical manufacturing technology

Abstract

ASOCTM technology is based on single-mode rib waveguides formed on silicon-on-insulator wafers. Silicon waveguides have excellent properties for many applications in the 1.3 and 1.55 micron telecommunications bands that include, €or example, low loss (<0.2dB/cm) and relatively small birefringence (<lo"). The high refractive index of silicon (3.5) allows compact optical circuits to be made, and schemes for reducing waveguide bend radius further will be discussed. This technology was developed by Bookham to overcome the high costs of optical components for use in optical networks, creating a device technology designed for volume manufacturing. It is based on the same processing techniques used in the manufacture of conventional silicon chips, with the addition of integrated optics design and micro-machining techniques for the mechanical assembly features. An important aspect of ASOCTM is the incorporation of discrete lasers and photodetectors to form hybrid devices. Laser chips are located in etched features in the silicon, so that the laser stripe is readily aligned with the optical waveguide. Photodiodes are mounted over waveguide mirror structures. In both cases the active element is attached to the silicon by a solder process.

Cyclic Arrayed Waveguide Grating Devices With Flat-Top Passband and Uniform Spectral Response

“…As silicon photonics are paid much attention [8], the waveguide structure of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) is chosen for study. The indexes of silicon waveguide and silica cover are chosen as 3.4 and 1.45.…”

Will silicon be the photonic material of the third millenium? *

“…This SOI system provides low loss waveguides (<0.2 dB cm −1 ) with single-mode operation with large rib structures (optical mode cross-section 4.5 × 4 µm 2 ) and low birefringence (<10 −3 ). Appropriate geometry with the use of an asymmetric waveguide allows bend radii as short as 0.1 mm [24]. A number of photonic components in SOI have been demonstrated [23] and commercialized [24]: directional couplers, dense WDM arrayed waveguide grating, Mach-Zehnder filters, star couplers, .…”

“…Appropriate geometry with the use of an asymmetric waveguide allows bend radii as short as 0.1 mm [24]. A number of photonic components in SOI have been demonstrated [23] and commercialized [24]: directional couplers, dense WDM arrayed waveguide grating, Mach-Zehnder filters, star couplers, . .…”

“…The silicon optical bench (SOB) is a technology where the silicon wafer is used as a substrate (optical bench) where the various optical components are inserted by micromachining suitable lodging. In [24], lasers and photodetectors are stuck into etched holes in silicon and bump soldered in place. The system operates at 1.55 µm with a typical bit rate of 155 Mb s −1 [24].…”

“…In [24], lasers and photodetectors are stuck into etched holes in silicon and bump soldered in place. The system operates at 1.55 µm with a typical bit rate of 155 Mb s −1 [24]. A further advantage of the use of a large optical mode waveguide is the ease of interfacing to single-mode optical fibre.…”