Multimode phase-shifting interference device

Abstract

A multimode interference (MMI) device includes: a base layer; a core layer deposited on the base layer to propagate optical signals; and a cladding layer deposited on the core layer to guide the optical signals. The core layer includes core partitions adapted to propagate a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths. The core partition includes offset segments for uniformly phase shifting the plurality of optical signals. The offset section includes at least one or a combination of sections with different effective refractive indexes, sloped sections, curved sections, and waveguides with changes in width, thickness, or effective refractive index.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to optical devices, and more particularly to multimode interference (MMI) devices for propagating and manipulating optical signals. Background technique [0002] In optical communications, optical signals of various wavelengths and polarizations can be multiplexed within a single optical carrier. Telecommunications networks increasingly focus on flexibility and configurability, which requires enhanced functionality of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for optical communications, as well as compact devices. Optics based on multimode interference (MMI) have large bandwidths, are polarization insensitive, and have high manufacturing tolerances. [0003] For many applications, it is desirable to minimize the length of MMI devices that manipulate optical signals. For example, in an MMI device such as In 1-x Ga x As y P 1-y An indium gallium arsenide phosphide (InGaAsP) core is inserted between an indium phosp...

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Problems solved by technology

Another method described in US Patent 7,349,628 that uses external control signals to multiplex or demultiplex optical signals, which is not suitable for some applications

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