Optical interconnects and filters based on waveguide arrays

Abstract

Rapidly increasing demand for higher data bandwidths has motivated exploration of new communication channels based on spatially multiplexed in-fibre and on-chip coupled light guides [1]. However, the conventionally used periodically arranged coupled waveguides display complicated light propagation patterns, ranging from quasiperiodic to nearly chaotic. Taking a different approach, we spectrally engineer interwaveguide coupling to instigate self-imaging of the input light state at the array output and thus enable construction of novel high-fidelity interconnects [2]. Simple implementation via modulation of the interwaveguide separations makes these interconnects realizable in all fabrication platforms. Moreover, the wavelength dependent self-imaging opens up possibilities for construction of new multiplexing devices [3]. Here, we present designs of band-pass filters and dichroic splitters for VIS and NIR and propose the strategies for selection of their central wavelengths and bandwidths.