Silicon-Based Polarization and Wavelength Synchronous Demultiplexing Arrayed Waveguide Grating

• Published in: IEEE photonics journal Vol. 15; no. 5; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Bai, Yawen, Li, Chenguang, Zhang, Qiang, Wang, Pengfei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 01.10.2023; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Array waveguide grating; Arrayed waveguide gratings; C band; Demultiplexing; Insertion loss; Optical communication; Optical polarization; Optical receivers; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Optical waveguides; Polarization; polarization independent; Silicon; Slabs; SOI (semiconductors); Waveguides; Wavelength division multiplexing
• ISSN: 1943-0655; 1943-0647
• DOI: 10.1109/JPHOT.2023.3320195

In this work, we propose an 8-channel arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) designed for synchronized de-multiplexing of both polarization and wavelength. The AWG device is fabricated on a 220 nm-thick top-silicon Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer using a straightforward single-etch process. It demonstrates the ability for wavelength division de-multiplexing across both TE and TM polarization states, ranging from 1530 to 1542 nm. Measurements reveal that the insertion loss for each channel is less than 3 dB. Additionally, the polarization-dependent loss measures at 1 dB. These experimental results underline the superior performance characteristics of the designed polarization-insensitive AWG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported C-band silicon AWG that accomplishes polarization-wavelength synchronous demultiplexing. This development introduces a new perspective in the design and functionality of AWGs, highlighting the significant potential of this device in the realm of optical communication.