Overcoming the limitations of microelectronics using Si nanophotonics: solving the coupling, modulation and switching challenges

Optics on a silicon chip provides a new platform for the monolithic integration of optics and microelectronics and can open the door to a new technology that is free from conventional microelectronics. However, the difficulty in controlling light and diverting its path on silicon needs to be addressed before this technology can successfully be used to resolve current microelectronics bottlenecks. Here we use highly confined photonic structures for tailoring the optical mode of the structures and enhancing the electro-optical and nonlinear properties of silicon. We show high fibre to waveguide coupling efficiency and optical switching on-chip with very low powers.