Thermo-optic VO2-based silicon waveguide mid-infrared router with asymmetric activation thresholds and large bi-stability

We report a novel four-port optical router that exploits non-linear properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase-change material to achieve asymmetrical power threshold response with power limiting capability. The scope of this study lies within the concept, modeling, and simulation of the device, with practical considerations in mind for future experimental devices. The waveguide structure, designed to operate at the wavelength of 5.0 & mu;m, is composed of a silicon core with air and silicon dioxide forming the cladding layers. Two ring resonators are employed to couple two straight waveguides, thus four individual ports. One of the ring resonators has a 100-nm-thick VO2 layer responsible for non-linear behavior of the device. The router achieves 56.5 and 64.5 dB of power limiting at the forward and reverse operating modes, respectively. Total transmission in the inactivated mode is 75%. Bi-stability and latching behavior are demonstrated and discussed.& COPY; 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

We present a novel four-port optical router based on the non-linear properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase-change material. The router achieves asymmetrical power threshold response with power limiting capability. The device design, including waveguide structure and ring resonators, is optimized for operation at a wavelength of 5.0 μm. The router demonstrates significant power limiting in both forward and reverse modes, with a total transmission rate of 75% in the inactivated mode. Bi-stability and latching behavior are also observed and discussed.