Abstract—In this paper, two methods for obtaining an ultra compact variable all-optical attenuator based on multimode interference (MMI) using silicon waveguides are proposed. The first method is to use two connected silicon waveguides. The second method is to use a multimode interference coupler. B forming a surface pattern on the top of the MMI region at special positions or on the top of linking waveguides, a variable attenuator is achieved. The device dimension is about 2 μm x30 μm that is the smallest length of an optical attenuator reported up-to-date. Designs of the proposed devices on silicon on insulator (SOI) platform are then verified and optimized using numerical simulation methods.
Index Terms—Optical computing, multimode interference (MMI) couplers, optical attenuator, SOI waveguide, CMO Stechnology, Beam propagation method (BPM).
Trung-Thanh Le is with the Faculty of Information Technology, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, 41A K1 Phu Dien Road,Tu Liem, Ha Noi, Viet Nam (Email: thanh.le@hunre.edu.vn)
Cite: Trung-Thanh Le, "Ultra-Compact Variable All-optical Attenuator Based on Multimode Interference Couplers on an SOI Platform," International Journal of Engineering and Technology vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 336-339, 2012.
Copyright © 2008-2024. International Journal of Engineering and Technology. All rights reserved.
E-mail: ijet_Editor@126.com