Simplified model enabling optimization of silicon modulators

International audienceIn this work, the simplified modeling of silicon phase modulators is presented along with a comparison among different options of modulators. The proposed simplified model enables a substantial reduce in computational effort while maintaining a good accuracy. The presented model is validated against complete 3D-simulations by means of the design of four different modulators. Furthermore, with the help of the model a deep insight on the performances tradeoffs in the choose and design of silicon modulators is provided

An introduction to InP-based generic integration technology

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are considered as the way to make photonic systems or subsystems cheap and ubiquitous. PICs still are several orders of magnitude more expensive than their microelectronic counterparts, which has restricted their application to a few niche markets. Recently, a novel approach in photonic integration is emerging which will reduce the R&D and prototyping costs and the throughput time of PICs by more than an order of magnitude. It will bring the application of PICs that integrate complex and advanced photonic functionality on a single chip within reach for a large number of small and larger companies and initiate a breakthrough in the application of Photonic ICs. The paper explains the concept of generic photonic integration technology using the technology developed by the COBRA research institute of TU Eindhoven as an example, and it describes the current status and prospects of generic InP-based integration technology