一种基于多模干涉耦合器的模转换与合并器件的设计

多模波导干涉（MMI）耦合器在集成光路中被用来实现波导模式的转换或合并。对于实际的基于硅绝缘体（SOI）的三维波导，数值设计方法是必需的。采用有限差分波束传输法（FD-BPM）设计了一种66％模式转换、合并器。首先由FD-BPM求出MMI耦合器的输入、输出波导所支持的基模和一阶导模的模场分布，通过数值方法得到MMI耦合器的长度，然后将求得的模场作为输入波场，经过FD-BPM运算后在器件输出面上计算交叉积分得出实际的由基模转换为一阶模的功率百分比。对于算例中采用的SOI波导，器件长度为829μm，65．7％的功率由基模转换为一阶模。     

Influence of injection patterns on chaos synchronization performance between a multimode laser diode and a single-mode laser

In this paper, based on a system composed of a multimode emitted laser diode and a single-mode received laser, chaos synchronization performance has been investigated numerically under different optical injection patterns. The results show that, for single mode injection (SMI) which means the received laser is injected by a selective longitudinal mode of the multimode emitted laser whose wavelength corresponds to that of the single-mode received laser, the system synchronization performance is better than that with multi mode injection (MMI); depending on the optical spectrum of the received laser, the physical mechanism of chaos synchronization deterioration for MMI is given. Additionally, after taking into account the parameter mismatches, the chaos synchronization performance of the system with different injection pattern have also been discussed. For either SMI or MMI, the synchronization performance with negative parameter mismatches is better than that with positive parameter mismatches.     

Multimode interference devices for focusing in microfluidic channels

Low-cost, compact, automated optical microsystems for chemical analysis, such as microflow cytometers for identification of individual biological cells, require monolithically integrated microlenses for focusing in microfluidic channels, to enable high-resolution scattering and fluorescence measurements. The multimode interference device (MMI), which makes use of self-imaging in multimode waveguides, is shown to be a simple and effective alternative to the microlens for microflow cytometry. The MMIs have been designed, realized, and integrated with microfluidic channels in a silica-based glass waveguide material system. Focal spot sizes of 2.4 μm for MMIs have been measured at foci as far as 43.7 μm into the microfluidic channel.     

多模干涉型GaAs光功分器的研制

采用导模传输分析法设计了多模干涉型１×４ 光功分器。根据所确定的器件结构参数, 结合器件设计和制作过程中可能遇到的因素, 详细分析了器件中自映像效应多模波导的宽度和长度、波导的折射率等结构参数对器件性能的影响。进行了多模干涉型 Ｇａ Ａｓ １×４ 光功分器的制作和测试。测试结果表明, 所研制的器件实现了１×４ 光功分器功能。针对实验过程和测试结果中遇到的问题进行了讨论, 并提出了进一步完善器件性能的方法。     

采用三维波束传输法的多模干涉耦合器成像位置的数值计算

多模干涉(MMI)耦合器需要精确定位成像位置,以便器件的设计制作。针对强限制和弱限制的三维多模波导干涉耦合器,采用三维交替方向隐式有限差分光束传输法(BPM),数值计算得出多模波导长度、输入波导和输出波导位置。首先通过对对称干涉多模干涉耦合器的数值分析求得多模干涉耦合器的等效宽度Weq及最低二阶模之间的拍长Lc,然后将这些参量结合光束传输法直接用于器件设计。计算显示该方法得到的成像位置和导模传输分析法(MPA)的理论预测比较接近,但Weq和Lc却是由光束传输法计算得到的,导模传输分析法理论只能在得到Weq和Lc的前提下才能得到成像位置。该方法直接针对三维波导进行,没有采用基于等效折射率方法的从三维波导到二维波导的简化处理,并且也没有采用导模传输分析法所采用的近似,保证了计算精度,对于实际多模干涉器件的设计制作可起参考作用。     

Robust 2 × 2 Multimode Interference Optical Switch

A robust 2 × 2 photonic switch based on multimode interference (MMI) effects is proposed. We demonstrate that the device is very tolerant to material modifications and typical fabrication errors. This is a result of the MMI design and the high symmetry of the switch. The key parameter for the operation of the device is that the input light forms a pair of well defined self-images exactly in the middle of the switch. The index modulated regions precisely overlap the positions where these two self-images are formed. By creating identical contact features at these locations, any refractive index change induced in the material as a result of electrical isolation will be replicated in both self-images, and therefore the off-state output will not be altered. In the same way, offset and dimension errors are reflected symmetrically on both self-images and do not seriously affect the imaging. The characteristics of the switch under different scenarios are investigated using the finite difference beam propagation method. By employing this configuration, crosstalk levels better than −20 dB are achievable over a wavelength range of 100 nm while maintaining polarization independence.     

Asymmetric multimode interference isolator based on nonreciprocal phase shift

This paper presents an asymmetric multimode interference-based (MMI) optical isolator, by utilizing the magneto-optical nonreciprocal phase shift (NPS). Equivalent beam propagation method (BPM) simulation of symmetric and asymmetric isolators are performed using configuration of Air/Ce:YIG/SiO₂ on silicon substrate for integration. The asymmetric isolator is found to be much more compact in size and efficient in isolation compared with symmetric isolator. Simulation results show that the isolation of asymmetric structure is 23.8 dB higher than that of symmetric one. It is mainly because both symmetric mode and anti-symmetric mode are excited in asymmetric structure and hence can interfere destructively. The proposed device may play an important role in the optical communication systems and photonic integrated devices.     

一种多模干涉耦合器的性能模拟

为减小多模干涉（Multimode Interference ,MMI）耦合器件的尺寸,提出一种多模波导宽度为指数型变化的Taper结构.理论分析了多模波导长度与该Taper结构的参量之间的关系.与已被用于减小MMI器件尺寸的抛物线型Taper结构相比,该结构可进一步减小器件的尺寸.就几种波导结构参量下的MMI耦合器,利用宽角光束传播法进行了数值模拟.结果表明,指数型MMI耦合器的性能与抛物线型MMI耦合器的性能类似.指数型Taper结构可以用于MMI器件以减小该类器件的尺寸.     

Nonunity permeability in metamaterial-based GaInAsP/InP multimode interferometers

We demonstrated an InP-based optical multimode interferometer (MMI) combined with metamaterials consisting of minute split-ring resonators (SRRs) arrayed on the MMI. The MMI could operate at an optical fiber communication wavelength of 1.5 μm. Magnetic resonance occurred between the SRR metamaterial and light at 1.5 μm, and the relative permeability of the metamaterial increased to 2.4 around this wavelength. This result shows that it is possible to use new materials with nonunity permeability to construct semiconductor-based photonic devices.     

Integrated thin film InGaAsP laser and 1 x 4 polymer multimode interference splitter on silicon

We report on a thin film InGaAsP laser integrated with a 1 x 4 polymer multimode interference (MMI) splitter on a silicon substrate for planar optical signal distribution. The thin film laser had a threshold current of 40 mA and was endfire coupled to the integrated passive polymer MMI splitter, and the optical signal from the laser was distributed to the four output waveguides of the MMI coupler. The measured loss of the MMI splitter was 0.79 dB. The normalized powers of the four MMI output ports in the integrated system were measured to be 0.823, 0.978, 0.852, and 1.     

Optimization of line-tapered MMI devices using a genetic algorithm

We discuss the optimal design of line-tapered multimode interference （MMI） devices using a genetic algorithm （GA）. A 1×4 MMI device is designed as a numerical example. Compared with the conventional design based on self-imaging theory, the present method demonstrates superior performance with low in- sertion loss and small non-uniformity.     

一阶模的滤除及在Y分支和多模干涉结构中的应用

Y分支和多模干涉结构广泛应用于平面光波导器件中，在这些器件中，Y分支和多模干涉结构输出对称性具有重要意义。引入Y分支和多模干涉结构输出的不对称主要原因是这两种结构中产生了一阶导模，设计一种新的耦合器结构，在这个结构中．两根单模波导分别放置在一根多模波导两边，并且单模波导的传播常量与多模波导的一阶模的传播常量相同，这种结构可以将一阶导模滤除。在Y分支和多模干涉结构中使用了这种结构，模拟结果表明，采用这种耦合器的Y分支和多模干涉结构具有非常好的输出对称性。     

Analysis of optical rib self-imaging multimode interference (MMI) waveguide devices using the discrete spectral index method

We have developed a semianalytical approach to study the propagation characteristics of multimode interference (MMI) waveguide structures. The effect of transverse crosssection geometry on self-imaging length and optical power throughput are investigated. We present results confirming that the nonquadratic modal dispersion encountered in stripe-loaded waveguides impairs self-imaging performance. Results indicate that the image degradation is more predominant for asymmetrically fed MMI waveguides.     

掩埋式多模干涉型分束器的反射性能

通过束传播方法(BPM)模拟了SiO2基掩埋式波导结构多模干涉(MMI)型分束器的反射性能,模拟结果表明,MMI工作在分束模式时存在最优的多模干涉长度实现最大输出和最小反射,而在合束模式下实现最大输出时反射也达到最大,这是由自映象原理决定的。SiO2基掩埋式波导结构MMI分束器对反射具有良好的抑制作用,其最大反射功率为-60dB。分析表明,多模干涉区末端的界面反射率决定了器件的反射强弱,SiO2基掩埋式波导的界面反射率非常低,这是其低反射的原因。     

A 1 × 2 optical switch using one multimode interference region

A 1 × 2 optical switch using only one multimode interference (MMI) region is designed and demonstrated in GaAs/AlGaAs. This design makes a single MMI region works as MMI coupler using paired interference at “off” state and symmetric interference at “on” state. By injecting a current of 110 mA, the measured on/off ratio and crosstalk are 23 dB and 33 dB, respectively in the demonstrated device with GaAs/GaAlAs.     

Waveguide lenses with multimode interference for low-loss slab propagation

It is shown that a nearly ideal two-dimensional focusing Gaussian beam can be synthesized by use of a linear combination of the two lowest-order even modes of an optical waveguide. This property can be used to couple laterally guided modes across slab waveguide regions with low loss. The technique is illustrated by use of a conventional multimode interference (MMI) geometry, in which the MMI coupler transforms the fundamental mode of an initial waveguide into a focusing Gaussian beam, which is then fed to a slab region. Two-dimensional beam propagation simulations show that the beam does not initially diverge in the slab region, but rather comes to a focus. A second MMI coupler then transforms the diverging beam back to the initial mode. A structure is designed that can couple the fundamental mode of a 9-microm-wide waveguide across an 88-microm-long slab region with only a 0.036-dB loss. This technique can be applied to improve the performance of small-angle waveguide crossings and integrated turning mirrors.     

二维限制MMI耦合器自镜像特性

采用扩展的导模传输分析法,对二维限制多模干涉(MMI)耦合器的自镜像效应进行分析,详细讨论了二维限制多模干涉耦合器的自镜像特性和在两个方向上各自都成完整像的要求,并用三维全矢量非旁轴近似光束传输法进一步验证了分析结果.结果表明,一维限制多模干涉耦合器的自镜像效应在一定条件下,可以拓展到二维限制多模干涉耦合器上.并且在强限制的波导结构中,二维自镜像效应可以看成二个相互垂直、独立的一维自镜像效应的叠加.     

Fiber-optic sensor for liquid level measurement

A novel (to the best of our knowledge) liquid level sensor based on multimode interference (MMI) effects is proposed and demonstrated. By using a multimode fiber (MMF) without cladding, known as no-core fiber, liquids around the MMF modify the self-imaging properties of the MMI device and the liquid level can be detected. We show that the sensor exhibits a highly linear response with the sensing range and multiplexed operations easily controlled by just modifying the length of the no-core fiber. At the same time, we can measure the refractive index of the liquid based on the maximum peak wavelength shift. We can also use the sensor for continuous and discrete liquid level sensing applications, thus providing a liquid level sensor that is inexpensive with a very simple fabrication process.     

InP-based 1.3/1.55 μm wavelength demultiplexer with multimode interference and chirped grating

We propose a novel 1.3/1.55 m wavelength demultiplexer for integration with lasers and detectors on the InP material system. A chirp grating is placed inside a multimode interference (MMI) structure to shorten the device length and increase wavelength tolerance. The simulation using the bi-directional beam propagation method proves that the demultiplexer can have very low insertion loss and high isolation ratio. The approach of grating fabrication is also described.     

The 650-nm variable optical attenuator based on polymer/silica hybrid waveguide

Visible light variable optical attenuators(VOA) are essential devices in the application of channel power regulation and equalization in wavelength-division multiplexing cross-connect nodes in plastic optical fiber(POF) transmission systems.In this paper, a polymer/silica hybrid waveguide thermo–optic attenuator based on multimode interference(MMI) coupler is designed and fabricated to operate at 650 nm. The single-mode transmission condition, MMI coupler, and transition taper dimensions are optimized through the beam propagation method. Thermal analysis based on material properties provides the optimized heater placement angle. The fabricated VOA presents an attenuation of 26.5 dB with a 21-mW electrical input power at 650 nm. The rise time and fall time are 51.99 and 192 μs, respectively. The time–stability measurement results prove its working reliability.