The Research Progress in On-Chip Mode (De)multiplexer

Abstract

With the increasing integration of communication devices and the demand for communication capacity, the methods to increase bandwidth and transmission capacity have attracted lots of attentions. As a new multiplexing dimension, mode division multiplexing (MDM) can effectively improve transmission capacity, in which different modes are utilized for data transmission. In this paper, we investigate the recent progress in on-chip mode (de)multiplexer, which is the key technology to realize mode (de)multiplexing. Firstly, several traditional on-chip mode (de)multiplexers are introduced, including mode (de)multiplexers based on Multi-Mode Interference (MMI), Adiabatic Coupler, Asymmetric Y-Junction, Asymmetry Directional Coupler (ADC) and Micro-ring Resonator (MMR), respectively. Secondly, hybrid (de)multiplexers combining MDM with Polarization Division Multiplexing (PDM) or Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) are discussed. Finally, this paper looks forward to the development prospects of on-chip mode multiplexing technology.