Silicon photonic devices and integrated circuits

Abstract

Silicon photonic devices and integrated circuits have undergone rapid and significant progresses during the last decade, transitioning from research topics in universities to product development in corporations. Silicon photonics is anticipated to be a disruptive optical technology for data communications, with applications such as intra-chip interconnects, short-reach communications in datacenters and supercomputers, and long-haul optical transmissions. Bell Labs, as the research organization of Alcatel-Lucent, a network system vendor, has an optimal position to identify the full potential of silicon photonics both in the applications and in its technical merits. Additionally it has demonstrated novel and improved high-performance optical devices, and implemented multi-function photonic integrated circuits to fulfill various communication applications. In this paper, we review our silicon photonic programs and main achievements during recent years. For devices, we review highperformance single-drive push-pull silicon Mach-Zehnder modulators, hybrid silicon/III-V lasers and silicon nitrideassisted polarization rotators. For photonic circuits, we review silicon/silicon nitride integration platforms to implement wavelength-division multiplexing receivers and transmitters. In addition, we show silicon photonic circuits are well suited for dual-polarization optical coherent transmitters and receivers, geared for advanced modulation formats. We also discuss various applications in the field of communication which may benefit from implementation in silicon photonics.

Photothermally Activated Two-Photon Absorption in Ion-Implanted Silicon Quantum Dots in Silica Plates

“…The fit in the plot was computed by using (1) and the estimated = 1.6 × 10 pulses. The value 2 =2.11 × 10 −14 m 2 /W was obtained by the fitting performed by using (2). Figure 5 demonstrates the ultrafast time-resolved OKG measurements collected for the SiQDs excited by infrared fs pulses.…”

“…Integrated nanophotonic systems could provide platforms for developing ultracompact signal processing tools and dense configurations for manipulating optical information in the ultrafast regime [2]. The potential to multiplex large data streams by ultrashort laser pulses seems to be a suitable alternative for solving some of the key challenges in several technological applications [3].…”

Advanced modulation format using silicon modulators in the O-band

“…Significant research effort has been dedicated over the past years to the development of silicon-based photonic technologies [1][2]. Developing high performance silicon modulators based on the free-carrier plasma dispersion (FCPD) effect has been an important milestone.…”

Ultracompact on-chip photothermal power monitor based on silicon hybrid plasmonic waveguides

“…However, the maximal input power allowed is limited due to the low melting point of Cytop and Cyclomer, which were used for the substrate and the waveguide. This power monitor is also not compatible with silicon photonics (which is very popular for many applications [55][56][57][58]). …”