平顶型蚀刻衍射光栅波分复用器优化设计

本文对利用多模干涉(MMI)结构实现解复用器蚀刻衍射光栅(EDG)频谱平坦化的设计方法进行了改进.通过使用预展宽输入结构把带间串扰降到很低值;通过使用抛物线型多模干涉区,把带通纹波减小到接近于零的同时,大大增加了1dB带宽,最终得到了平坦化效果最佳的设计方法.作为例子,最后给出了两种不同频带间隔下的最优设计尺寸.     

基于深刻蚀SiO2脊型波导的紧凑型多模干涉功分器

采用深刻蚀SiO2脊型波导,利用其弯曲半径小的优点,设计了一种紧凑型1×2多模干涉功分器.在输入/输出波导与多模干涉区域之间引入了逆向锥形波导,有效地减小了输出波导间距,从而减小了多模干涉区域宽度及其长度,进一步实现了多模干涉器件的小型化(仅为150 μm×20 μm).并采用三维束传播方法对多模干涉区域及输入/输出波导中的光场传输进行了模拟仿真,得到了一组最优参量设计值,从而实现其结构优化.     

Optimal design of multimode interference couplers using an improved self-imaging theory

Self-imaging theory is widely accepted as a good method in designing 1 × N multimode interference (MMI) couplers, but it is also true that self-imaging theory is not suitable for low-contrast structures. An improved self-imaging theory is proposed in this paper for the optimal design of low-contrast 1 × N MMI couplers. The average effective width of MMI waveguide and the average effective propagation constant of MMI waveguide are used as the basis to modify the conventional self-imaging theory. A direct calculation of the average effective width of low-contrast MMIs is presented. We use this approach in the optimal design of a 1 × 4 silica MMI coupler, and the results show that the improved self-imaging theory is more accurate than conventional self-imaging theory for low-contrast structures, the results also show that if the material parameters and the width of an MMI waveguide are fixed, the average effective width of the MMI waveguide will increase with the decrease of the height of the core layer.     

Thermo-optic multimode interference switches with air and silicon trenches

A novel thermo-optic multimode interference (MMI) switch with air and silicon trenches was proposed, and the performance of the switch was simulated. In the design, one heating electrode is used to alter the refractive index at a spot image which changes the phase of this image to realize the switching function. The simulation results clearly indicate that the MMI switch can satisfy −39 dB crosstalk at two states. The electric power consumption for the MMI switch with these trenches is less than half of that of a conventional MMI switch.     

Compact multimode interference coupler with tapered waveguide geometry

In this paper, a novel MMI coupler, based on general interference, with tapered waveguide geometry has been proposed for reduction of coupling length. The coupling characteristics and power imbalance of the proposed structure are compared with conventional MMI structures by using a mathematical model based on sinusoidal modes. It is seen that the beat length for tapered MMI coupler with angle of taper ∼1.05° is reduced by ∼24% of that of conventional MMI coupler and the coupling characteristics obtained with the mathematical model, match well with those obtained by more sophisticated BPM computer aided design software. The power imbalance for tapered 3 dB MMI coupler is more sensitive to the wavelength than that for conventional 3 dB MMI coupler and variation of power imbalance with fabrication tolerance for both the MMI coupler is almost same.     

多模干涉马赫曾德尔光开关模型

根据N×N多模干涉耦合器的基本原理 ,确定了多模干涉耦合器的结构参数。通过分析多模干涉耦合器的输入光场与其映像间的相位关系 ,提出了模传输矩阵的分析方法 ,并用此方法分析了N×N普通干涉多模干涉耦合器、N×N相移器以及N×N普通干涉多模干涉马赫 曾德尔光开关 ,得到了它们的模场传输方程 ,分析了光开关在光场从任一输入端输入 ,从任一输出端输出时开关的驱动条件。用上面的方法分析了 4× 4光开关的结构及驱动条件     

Self-guiding multimode interference threshold switch

We propose a new passive optical thresholding device that combines the principles of multimode interference (MMI) with self-guiding. The multimode region is composed of a nonlinear optical material that will support a self-guided beam (i.e., a material with a positive Kerr nonlinearity). The device operates by switching between the MMI mode of operation and the self-guiding mode of operation, depending on the input light intensity. We describe the basic principles of a self-guiding MMI device, simulate the device, and discuss design issues associated with these optically controlled optical switches.     

A Flattened AWG Demultiplexer with Low Chromatic Dispersion

A design method is introduced to obtain a flat-top arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) demultiplexer with low chromatic dispersion. A multimode interference (MMI) section is connected at the end of the input waveguide, and a tapered waveguide is connected at the entrance of each output waveguide of the AWG demultiplexer. The design procedure is presented. A design example is given and shown to have a much better performance than the conventional flat-top design using only an MMI section. The insertion loss of the designed AWG demultiplexer is also reduced.     

Low electric power drived thermo-optic multimode interference switches with tapered heating electrodes

A novel thermo-optic multimode interference (MMI) switch with a tapered heating electrode was proposed and the performance of the switch was simulated. An analytical steady-state heat-conduction model is also presented. In the design, one tapered heating electrode is used to alter the refractive index in the multimode slab region to realize the switching function. The simulation results indicate that the MMI switch can provide high extinction ratio, and good polarization- and wavelength-independence. The electric power consumption for the MMI switch is half of that of a switch with a straight heating electrode and similar to that of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch.     

新型1×N多模干涉分束器的三维设计与模拟

相比于传统的1×N对称型多模干涉（Mult-Mode Interference,MMI）分束器设计,提出了一种新型埋入式弱限制光波导分束器件.它的干涉区及输入输出波导采用倒锥形式,器件尺寸减小,且不均匀性与附加损耗也减小.以1×4的对称型MMI分束器为例,当只对干涉区采用倒锥形结构后,在TE偏振中心波长为1.55 μm时,器件长度减小了500 μm,均匀性增加了0.131 dB,而附加损耗仅增加了0.02 dB,波长响应较传统设计增加了40 nm.在此基础上,又在输入输出臂上也各增加倒锥形结构后,相比于传统设计附加损耗减小了0.02 dB,均匀性增加了0.139 dB,器件长度减小了500 μm.改进后的器件具有优越的容差性.器件采用掺氟型聚合物材料进行优化设计,通过在合理范围内偏离输出波导位置,使输出光强达到最大值.     

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.     

Optimal design for a flat-top AWG demultiplexer by using a fast calculation method based on a Gaussian beam approximation

Passband broadening of an AWG (array waveguide grating) demultiplexer with an MMI (multimode interference) coupler connected at the end of a tapered input waveguide is considered. An explicit formula based on the field propagation of an approximate Hermit-Gaussian beam is used to calculate quickly and reliably the spectral response of the AWG demultiplexer. The widths of the input waveguide, the output waveguides and the MMI coupler are optimized. The optimal design is verified with the experimental measurement.     

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。     

Numerical and experimental investigation of 2 × 2 multimode interference couplers in silica-on-silicon

In this paper we examine, theoretically as well as experimentally, the influence of a number of design parameters for a 2 × 2 multimode interference (MMI) coupler. We confirm that wide access waveguides are preferable but these should not exceed the width of the MMI. It is shown that the waveguide separation can be chosen in a reasonably wide range and that MMI's can be as short as directional couplers. That the imbalance is less than 0.2 dB if the length is within 5% of the optimum. Experimentally we observe the same variation, but at an imbalance of 0.6 dB. We show that this imbalance can be explained by a stress induced parabolic non-uniformity of the refractive index of the core across the MMI width with a peak variation of 5 × 10^–5.     

An in-depth analysis of reflections in MMI couplers using optical low-coherence reflectometry: design optimization and performance evaluation

This paper describes a comprehensive report on the high potential of optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) measurements to assist the design optimization and performance evaluation of symmetric MMI couplers. Using three sets of deep-ridge InGaAsP–InP couplers on InP and by performing OLCR measurements simultaneously in reflection and transmission modes, the nature and origin of all reflections in MMI have first been identified with respect to a deliberately chosen design parameter, namely, the coupler length. In addition, and in total agreement with the self-imaging principle and also the BPM simulations, the back reflections in combiner mode are shown to be prominent even in fully optimized devices. Finally, a simple design artifact has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally for the first time to suppress back reflections. Received: 16 May 2001 / Published online: 2 November 2001     

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.     

用于光通信的MMI型GaAs光功分器的研制

本文设计了一种能直接与单模光纤阵列相耦合的MMI型光功分器.首先采用导模传输分析法,给出了MMI型光功分器的工作原理,在此基础上完成了MMI型光功分器的设计.最后根据所确定的器件结构参量,用有限差分光束传输法分析了器件结构参量对器件性能的影响.     

High-performance 90° hybrid based on a silicon-on-insulator multimode interference coupler

We propose a multimode interference coupler (MMI) design for high-index-contrast technologies based on a shallowly etched multimode region, which is, for the first time to our knowledge, directly coupled to deeply etched input and output waveguides. This reduces the phase errors associated with the high-index contrast, while still allowing for a very compact layout. Using this structure, we fabricate a 2 × 4 MMI operating as a 90° hybrid, with a footprint of only 0.65 mm × 0.53 mm, including all the structures necessary to couple light to a fiber array. We experimentally demonstrate a common mode rejection ratio better than -20 dBe and phase errors better than ±5° in a ~50 nm bandwidth.     

Design of optical polarization splitters in a single-section deeply etched MMI waveguide

The design of a single-section polarization splitter in a deeply etched semiconductor MMI waveguide is presented. Numerically simulated results indicate that the semiconductor MMI exhibits considerable polarization dependence and, utilizing this effect, a compact 1.6-mm-long polarization splitter may be fabricated to yield more than 8-dB polarization separation and only 0.11-dB optical loss, using a very simple design-approach. Received: 16 May 2001 / Revised version: 14 August 2001 / Published online: 2 November 2001     

掩埋式弱限制MMI的性能模拟

采用精确模式分析方法(EMA)对一种掩埋式折射率差为0.47%的弱限制MMI进行了数值模拟,通过和强限制MMI对比表明,这种弱限制的MMI可以实现良好的均衡性(9.7×10-4dB)和附加损耗(0.13dB),比强限制MMI具有更大的带宽,更好的宽度和长度容差性。虽然这种弱限制MMI的最小附加损耗和最佳均衡性不能在同一长度同时获得,但由于其良好的容差性,在最佳均衡性长度处仍能获得低于0.8dB的附加损耗。用紫外写入波导的方法制作掩埋式结构的弱限制MMI器件是可行的。