Ultra-broadband dual-mode 3 dB power splitter based on a Y-junction assisted with mode converters

Abstract

A dual-mode 3 dB power splitter for application in an on-chip mode (de)multiplexing system is proposed and demonstrated. This device is composed of mode converters cascaded with a Y-junction. The simulation results show that ∼50∶50 splitting ratio can be achieved for both TM₀ mode and TM₁ mode over a wide wavelength range from 1.52 to 1.62 μm. The fabricated device, which consists of a multiplexer, a dual-mode 3 dB power splitter, and a demultiplexer, has insertion losses of 0.54 dB for TM₀ mode and 0.86 dB for TM₁ mode at 1.55 μm wavelength. The measured cross talk is 15.7 and 17.2 dB at 1.55 μm wavelength for the TM₀ mode and TM₁ mode, respectively.