Semiconductor photonic integrated devices

Abstract

Semiconductor materials are suitable for monolithic photonic integrated circuits since they can realize almost all the necessary photonic functions such as light emission, light amplifications, light detection, light modulation/switching and optical waveguiding. Additionally, since the figure of merit of various physical effects used to realize the foregoing functions is large and since it is easy to arrange the spatial region to generate these effects into compact and convenient shape, it is advantageous for small size and high performance. The research and development of photonic integrated circuits utilizing semiconductors has an accumulation of history, knowledge, and technology, already spanning a quarter of a century. Although it has required a longer time before it becomes practical than the electronic integrated circuits, it has shown rapid progress since the end of 1980's. This is attributed to the combination of the driving force from the needs point of view based on the advances in semiconductor laser technology, introduction, and spreading of quantum well structures and evolution of processing technology such as epitaxial growth methods and the strong demand from the needs point of view toward all optical telecommunication networks where not only trunk lines but also switching nodes and subscriber lines use an optical wave. This paper reviews the present status of photonic devices and circuits obtained by monolithic integration of semiconductor element devices by classifying them into light emitters, optical switches, and combiners/splitters. Finally, the necessity of semiconductor integrated photonic systems is set forth toward the future.

Mode multiplexing 1×4 waveguide optical switch based on phase-change materials

“…In the past few decades, photonic devices have been widely researched and favored for their small size, low power consumption, and compatibility with CMOS-based microelectronic circuits [1][2][3] . Photonic devices are located upstream in the optical communication industry, and core optoelectronic components are used to achieve functions such as optical signal emission, reception, and signal processing, making them the core of optical communication systems.…”

Low-power all-optical switching in active semiconductor chirped periodic structures

“…In addition, SOAs can be fabricated to operate at any wavelength used in lightwave systems [1]. Since SOAs are compact (< 500 µm 3 active volume), many devices can be integrated into a monolithic photonic circuit and combined with lasers, waveguide couplers, and detectors for increased circuit functionality [10]. In addition, since SOAs provide amplification, they allow high fan-out and high cascadability, requirements for large photonic circuits and multi-component lightwave systems in general [6].…”

Strain-induced pseudo-magnetic fields in graphene for novel optoelectronic applications

“…Throughout this thesis, we discuss the realization and effect of straininduced pseudo-magnetic fields in graphene that will help pave the way towards facilitating graphene-based light sources and completing graphenebased electronic-photonic integrated circuits. The EPICs are one of the promising candidates to replace the conventional IC [7], [8]. The EPICs integrate optical components and photonic functions into the conventional IC, combining the strength of both photonics and electronics.…”