Polarization rotator-splitters and controllers in a Si_3N_4-on-SOI integrated photonics platform

Abstract

We demonstrate novel polarization management devices in a custom-designed silicon nitride (Si(3)N(4)) on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) integrated photonics platform. In the platform, Si(3)N(4) waveguides are defined atop silicon waveguides. A broadband polarization rotator-splitter using a TM0-TE1 mode converter in a composite Si(3)N(4)-silicon waveguide is demonstrated. The polarization crosstalk, insertion loss, and polarization dependent loss are less than -19 dB, 1.5 dB, and 1.0 dB, respectively, over a bandwidth of 80 nm. A polarization controller composed of polarization rotator-splitters, multimode interference couplers, and thin film heaters is also demonstrated.