Title :
A low-loss and compact waveguide Y-branch using refractive-index tapering
Author :
Hu, M.H. ; Huang, J.Z. ; Scarmozzino, R. ; Levy, M. ; Osgood, R.M., Jr.
Author_Institution :
Microelectron. Sci. Lab., Columbia Univ., New York, NY, USA
Abstract :
A new approach to an integrated Y-branch power splitter, useful for strongly guiding waveguide circuits, is proposed, fabricated and tested. The device uses adiabatic mode evolution by effective-refractive-index tapering to achieve a compact, low-loss geometry. Device performance is examined numerically by twoand three-dimensional beam propagation simulations. Y-branches with an overall length of /spl sim/330 μm and losses of <0.2 dB are then fabricated in GaAs-AlGaAs. A compact and low-loss 1×4 power splitter incorporating this Y-branch is also described and demonstrated.
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; aluminium compounds; gallium arsenide; integrated optics; optical losses; optical waveguide theory; optical waveguides; refractive index; 0.2 dB; 330 mum; GaAs-AlGaAs; Y-branch; adiabatic mode evolution; compact low-loss geometry; device performance; effective-refractive-index tapering; integrated Y-branch power splitter; low-loss 1/spl times/4 power splitter; low-loss compact waveguide Y-branch; optical fabrication; optical testing; overall length; refractive-index tapering; strongly guiding waveguide circuits; three-dimensional beam propagation simulation; two-dimensional beam propagation simulation; Circuit simulation; Circuit testing; Etching; Geometry; Optical losses; Power lasers; Refractive index; Waveguide components; Waveguide lasers; Waveguide transitions;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
