Comparison of Cross-section Profile Designs for Integrated Polarization Mode Controllers

Andersson, S. M.L., Hou, L. , Marsh, J. H. and Farmer, C. D. (2020) Comparison of Cross-section Profile Designs for Integrated Polarization Mode Controllers. In: 5th International Conference on the UK-China Emerging Technologies (UCET 2020), Glasgow, UK, 20-21 Aug 2020, ISBN 9781728194882 (doi: 10.1109/UCET51115.2020.9205445)

Abstract

Many laser applications in quantum technology require circularly polarized light at wavelengths accessible only through the GaAs-AlGaAs material system. Two proven designs of polarization mode convertor (PMC) were compared through simulation for a modified commercial 830 nm GaAs-AlGaAs structure. Structure type 1 used a deep-etched ridge waveguide, with a shallow-etched slot placed asymmetrically within the ridge. Structure type 2 also used a deep-etched ridge, but with sides of the ridge etched to different depths. Both structures support zero-order TE and TM modes, with the effective index difference between the modes determining the length of the PMC device. Although a range of dimensions and compositions was investigated, it was found the geometry of the waveguides did not significantly affect the effective index difference. The refractive index of the waveguide core was swept from 3.39 to 3.43, corresponding to Al contents from 0.45 to 0.3 respectively. In both structures, a higher index leads to the mode being concentrated in the core, which may lead to lower losses. As the structures give similar results, the main decider as to which one should be chosen should be the relative simplicity of fabrication.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Farmer, Dr Corrie and Andersson, Sia and Marsh, Professor John and Hou, Dr Lianping
• Authors: Andersson, S. M.L., Hou, L., Marsh, J. H., and Farmer, C. D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• ISBN: 9781728194882
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 IEEE
• First Published: First published in 2020 International Conference on UK-China Emerging Technologies (UCET)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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• Organisation

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
172610		External engagement manager: CDT Photonic Integration for Advanced Data Storage	John Marsh	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/L015323/1	ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering