Optimization for Ultrabroadband Polarization Beam Splitters Using a Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

We present a design method for a directional coupler-type polarization beam splitter (PBS) for ultrabroadband operation based on a genetic algorithm (GA). The PBS is discretized into short sections, with the geometric parameters of each section optimized using a GA. For PBSs with an operating wavelength range λ = 1400-1650 nm, the insertion losses are less than 0.14 and 0.58 dB, and the maximum crosstalk is -20.6 and -16.2 dB for the TE and TM modes, respectively. We also analyze the fabrication tolerance in this study.

Keywords

• Broadband
• optimization
• polarization beam splitters
• silicon photonics