Multi-Mode Transmitter Based on Silicon Microring Modulators

We propose and demonstrate a multi-mode transmitter based on cascaded silicon microring modulators (MRMs). By sharing bus waveguide at drop ports of the MRMs, data modulation and mode multiplexing could be achieved simultaneously, resulting in a simplified layout with compact size. For the proof-of-concept demonstration, multi-mode transmitter for TE0 and TE1 modes is fabricated. Transmission of non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) signals with the bit rate of 2 x 25 Gbps is experimentally demonstrated. Measured eye diagrams and bit error rate (BER) results indicate good transmission performance.

Automated summary

A multi-mode transmitter based on cascaded silicon microring modulators (MRMs) is proposed and demonstrated in this paper. By achieving data modulation and mode multiplexing simultaneously, it simplifies the layout and reduces size. The experimental results show good transmission performance for non-return-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) signals with a bit rate of 2 x 25 Gbps.