Waveguide integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range are of significant interest for molecular spectroscopy. This is because on-chip synchronous detection can improve the performance of detection systems and can also be used for free-space communications where optical modulators working in atmospheric transparency windows are needed. Here we report optical modulation in a mid-infrared photonic circuit, reaching wavelengths larger than 8 μm. Optical modulation in the wavelength range from 5.5 to 11 μm is shown, relying on a broadband Ge-rich graded-SiGe platform. This demonstration experimentally confirms the free-carrier absorption effect modeling. These results pave the way towards efficient high-performance electrically-driven integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range.

Optical modulation in Ge-rich SiGe waveguides in the mid-infrared wavelength range up to 11 µm

Frigerio, Jacopo;Ballabio, Andrea;Barzaghi, Andrea;Isella, Giovanni;
2020-01-01

Abstract

Waveguide integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range are of significant interest for molecular spectroscopy. This is because on-chip synchronous detection can improve the performance of detection systems and can also be used for free-space communications where optical modulators working in atmospheric transparency windows are needed. Here we report optical modulation in a mid-infrared photonic circuit, reaching wavelengths larger than 8 μm. Optical modulation in the wavelength range from 5.5 to 11 μm is shown, relying on a broadband Ge-rich graded-SiGe platform. This demonstration experimentally confirms the free-carrier absorption effect modeling. These results pave the way towards efficient high-performance electrically-driven integrated optical modulators in the mid-infrared wavelength range.
2020
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/1156493
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