Integrated Silicon Photonics for Enabling Next-Generation Space Systems

A review of silicon photonics for space applications is presented. The benefits and advantages of size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) metrics inherent to silicon photonics are summarized. Motivation for their use in optical communications systems and microwave photonics is addressed. The current state of our understanding of radiation effects in silicon photonics is included in this discussion. Total-ionizing dose, displacement damage, and single-event transient effects are discussed in detail for germanium-integrated photodiodes, silicon waveguides, and Mach-Zehnder modulators. Areas needing further study are suggested.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the application of silicon photonics for space applications, highlighting the benefits of size, weight, power, and cost metrics. It discusses the motivation for using silicon photonics in optical communications systems and microwave photonics, as well as the current understanding of radiation effects in silicon photonics. Specific effects on different devices and areas for further study are also addressed.