A reconfigurable self-collimation-based photonic crystal switch in silicon

Richard Martin; Ahmed Sharkawy; Caihua Chen; Binglin Miao; Eric J. Kelmelis; Dennis W. Prather

doi:10.1117/12.701025

9 February 2007 A reconfigurable self-collimation-based photonic crystal switch in silicon

Richard Martin, Ahmed Sharkawy, Caihua Chen, Binglin Miao, Eric J. Kelmelis, Dennis W. Prather

Proceedings Volume 6475, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies XI; 64750B (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701025
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2007, 2007, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

We present a reconfigurable, compact, low loss, optical switch in silicon. The device utilizes the self-collimation properties of photonic crystal structures and provides a technique for efficiently switching an electromagnetic wave guided through a pre-engineered dispersion based photonic crystal self-guiding structure. The electromagnetic wave can be either in the microwave or optical regime based on the constituent materials and dimensions of the photonic crystal host. We propose that the "loss tangent" of dielectric material in the switching region can be modified by external "commands" to control the direction of propagation of the self-collimated signal and hence attain switching, thereby redirecting the light. Based on the geometrical orientation and position of the applied electric field, electromagnetic waves can be completely redirected (switched), or partially routed towards any arbitrary direction on a Manhattan grid or network. We have found that the induced loss does not significantly attenuate the waves switched in any direction. The structure presented can be generalized to an arbitrary N by M interconnected switching network or fabric, where the switching topology can be dynamically modulated by the application of external fields. To attain switching, the free-carrier absorption loss of Si is controlled by carrier injection from forward-biased PN junction. The concept device is designed and analyzed using the FastFDTD^TM accelerated hardware based FDTD technology.

Citation Download Citation

Richard Martin, Ahmed Sharkawy, Caihua Chen, Binglin Miao, Eric J. Kelmelis, and Dennis W. Prather "A reconfigurable self-collimation-based photonic crystal switch in silicon", Proc. SPIE 6475, Integrated Optics: Devices, Materials, and Technologies XI, 64750B (9 February 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.701025

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
10 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Photonic crystals

Switches

Beam splitters

Refractive index

Switching

Dispersion

Silicon

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years