Nanometallic lasers for optical interconnects

Semiconductor nanolasers with metallo-dielectric cavities are considered as promising light sources for optical interconnects. We review the first demonstrated devices of this type and outline our current research efforts on a waveguide-coupled nanolaser

Towards plasmonic lasers for optical interconnects

A plasmonic laser structure coupled to a dielectric waveguide is proposed and investigated by rigorous simulations. Modal characteristics, such as propagation loss and confinement factor were obtained for a wavelength of 1.55 µm. In addition, FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) simulations were used to calculate the reflectivity from the end facets of the laser structure and also to calculate the coupling between the laser and a dielectric waveguide. Simulations show that a threshold gain of 1796 cm-1 is required to compensate the total loss in a 200 nm wide and 50 µm long laser, which can be achievable at room temperature

Waveguide-coupled nanolasers in III-V membranes on silicon

Semiconductor nanolasers provide an attractive route towards high density photonic integrated circuits in low power applications such as optical interconnects. In this paper we present the concept of a waveguide-coupled nanolaser for integration in a CMOS compatible photonic platform. We exploit metallic and dielectric confinement to provide high quality factors exceeding 500 in a wavelength-scale cavity, that provides efficient cooling and cross-talk immunity due to the metal coverage. We present simulations detailing the design considerations for high quality factors and efficient waveguide coupling. Optical and electrical simulations predict room temperature operation at 1.55 µm with a threshold current of 120 µA and a differential quantum efficiency of 0.16. We also discuss briefly the challenges of fabricating these devices and integrating them in the photonic platform

Metallo-dielectric nanolaser coupled to an InP-membrane waveguide

A design for a metallo-dielectric nanolaser with electrical injection and coupled to an InP-membrane waveguide is presented. The structure supports a dielectric lasing mode near 1.55 µm with a high Q-factor due to a reflective metallic cladding. Threshold gain levels below 1000 cm-1 are predicted, which are compatible with room temperature operation under a current injection of a few tens of microamperes. Due to an efficient coupling to the waveguide, it represents a promising laser structure for ultra-compact photonic integrated circuits

Fabrication of an efficient metal grating coupler for membrane-based integrated photonics

This paper reports the progress on the fabrication process of highly efficient metal grating couplers for membrane-based integrated circuits, using double side processing technology on bonded samples. This type of gratings comprises a buried SiO2/Ag grating of 125nm thickness with a silver layer as metal mirror, and has several advantages over dielectric gratings as metallic gratings are independent from the buffer thickness. We predict a theoretical chip-to-fiber coupling efficiency of 74% and 89% for uniform and apodized gratings respectively, at a wavelength of 1550 nm. Furthermore, the fabrication process can be used for both, SOI and III-V based platforms

Plasmonic communications : light on a wire

The emerging field of plasmonics promises the generation, processing, transmission, sensing and detection of signals at optical frequencies along metallic surfaces much smaller than the wavelengths they carry. Plasmonic technology has applications in a wide range of fields, including biophotonics, sensing, chemistry and medicine. But perhaps the area where it will have the most profound impact is in optical communications, since plasmonic waves oscillate at optical frequencies and thus can carry information at optical bandwidths

Chip-to-chip plasmonic interconnects and the activities of EU project NAVOLCHI

In this paper, the chip-to-chip interconnection architecture adopted by the EU-project NAVOLCHI are discussed. The plasmonic physical layer consisting of a plasmonic nanoscale laser, a modulator, an amplifier and a detector is introduced. Current statuses of the plasmonic devices are reviewed

Towards plasmonic lasers for optical interconnects

A plasmonic laser structure coupled to a dielectric waveguide is proposed and investigated by rigorous simulations. Modal characteristics, such as propagation loss and confinement factor were obtained for a wavelength of 1.55 µm. In addition, FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) simulations were used to calculate the reflectivity from the end facets of the laser structure and also to calculate the coupling between the laser and a dielectric waveguide. Simulations show that a threshold gain of 1796 cm-1 is required to compensate the total loss in a 200 nm wide and 50 µm long laser, which can be achievable at room temperature