SILICON MULTIMODE PHOTONIC INTEGRATED DEVICES FOR ON-CHIP MODE-DIVISION-MULTIPLEXED OPTICAL INTERCONNECTS

Abstract

Multimode spatial-division multiplexing (SDM) technology has attracted much attention for its potential to enhance the capacity of an optical-interconnect link with a single wavelength carrier. For a mode-multiplexed optical-interconnect link, the functional elements are quite different from the conventional ones as multiple modes are involved. In this paper we give a review and discussion on multimode photonic integrated devices for mode-multiplexed opticalinterconnects. Light propagation and mode conversion in tapered waveguides as well as bent waveguides are discussed first. Recent progress on mode converter-(de)multiplexers is then reviewed. The demands of some functional devices used for mode-multiplexed opticalinterconnects are also discussed. In particular, the fabrication tolerance is analyzed in detail for our hybrid demultiplexer, which enables mode-/polarization-division-(de)multiplexing simultaneously.