On-chip scalable mode-selective converter based on asymmetrical micro-racetrack resonators
Xiao Huifu,
Zhang Zhenfu,
Yang Junbo,
Han Xu,
Chen Wenping,
Ren Guanghui,
Mitchell Arnan,
Yang Jianhong,
Gao Daqiang,
Tian Yonghui
Affiliations
Xiao Huifu
Institute of Microelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Zhang Zhenfu
Center of Material Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China
Yang Junbo
Center of Material Science, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, PR China
Han Xu
Institute of Microelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Chen Wenping
Institute of Microelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Ren Guanghui
School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
Mitchell Arnan
Institute of Microelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Yang Jianhong
Institute of Microelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Gao Daqiang
Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of MOE, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
Tian Yonghui
Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of MOE, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
Mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology has been well known to researchers for its ability to increase the link capacity of photonic network. While various mode processing devices were demonstrated in recent years, the reconfigurability of multi-mode processing devices, which is vital for large-scale multi-functional networks, is rarely developed. In this paper, we first propose and experimentally demonstrate a scalable mode-selective converter using asymmetrical micro-racetrack resonators (MRRs) for optical network-on-chip. The proposed device, composed of cascaded MRRs, is able to convert the input monochromatic light to an arbitrary supported mode in the output waveguide as required. Thermo-optical effect of silicon waveguides is adopted to tune the working states of the device. To test the utility, a device for proof-of-concept is fabricated and experimentally demonstrated based on silicon-on-insulator substrate. The measured spectra of the device show that the extinction ratios of MRRs are larger than 18 dB, and modal crosstalk for selected modes are all less than −16.5 dB. The switching time of the fabricated device is in the level of about 40 μs. The proposed device is believed to have potential applications in multi-functional and intelligent network-on-chip, especially in reconfigurable MDM networks.
