A novel reconfigurable architecture based on slow-wave propagation in integrated optical ring resonators is proposed for the realization of variable optical delay lines. A continuously variable delay is achieved by combining a coarse discrete (digital) delay, provided by a coupled resonator slow-wave structure, with a fine continuous (analog) delay given by a ring-resonator phase-shifter. The reflective configuration of the structure enables a simple, accurate and robust tuning of the delay and provides a footprint reduction by a factor 2 with respect to conventional coupled resonator optical waveguides. Proof-of-concept devices realized in 4.4% silicon oxynitride waveguides and activated by a thermal control are discussed. Experimental results demonstrate, in both spectral and time domain, a continuously variable delay, from zero to 800ps (2 bit fractional delay), on a 2.5Gbit/s NRZ signal, with less than 8dB insertion loss and less than 5 mm2 device footprint.

A reconfigurable architecture for continously variable optical slow-wave delay lines

MORICHETTI, FRANCESCO;MELLONI, ANDREA IVANO;CANCIAMILLA, ANTONIO;FERRARI, CARLO;MARTINELLI, MARIO
2007-01-01

Abstract

A novel reconfigurable architecture based on slow-wave propagation in integrated optical ring resonators is proposed for the realization of variable optical delay lines. A continuously variable delay is achieved by combining a coarse discrete (digital) delay, provided by a coupled resonator slow-wave structure, with a fine continuous (analog) delay given by a ring-resonator phase-shifter. The reflective configuration of the structure enables a simple, accurate and robust tuning of the delay and provides a footprint reduction by a factor 2 with respect to conventional coupled resonator optical waveguides. Proof-of-concept devices realized in 4.4% silicon oxynitride waveguides and activated by a thermal control are discussed. Experimental results demonstrate, in both spectral and time domain, a continuously variable delay, from zero to 800ps (2 bit fractional delay), on a 2.5Gbit/s NRZ signal, with less than 8dB insertion loss and less than 5 mm2 device footprint.
2007
Optical communications; dely lines; TLC
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11311/269699
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