Three channel demultiplexer using gallium nitride angled MMI structures

Optical demultiplexing ccomponents are key elements in the optical telecommunication system that works with dense wavelength division multiplexing and serve the purpose of increasing the data transfer capacity for the enlarged number of end-users. The most common method for increasing data bitrate using the telecommunication system is to use wavelength division multiplexing. However, the implementation of wavelength division multiplexing with more channels requires additional waveguide coupler devices and more energy consumption which can limit the system performances. To solve these issues, we propose a new approach for designing demultiplexer using angled multimode interference in gallium nitride (GaN)-silica (SiO₂) slot waveguide structures. SiO₂ and GaN materials are selected for confining the infrared light inside the GaN areas under the transverse electric field mode. Results show that after 3.56 mm light propagation three infrared wavelengths in the C-band range can be demultiplexed using one angled multimode interference coupler with a power loss range of 1.31 to 2.44 dB, large bandwidth of 12 to 13.69 nm and a very low power back reflection of 47.64 dB under crosstalk of -12.67 to -15.62 dB. Thus, the proposed design has the potential for improving performances in the optical system that works with wavelength division multiplexing technology.

Audience take-away:

• The audience will learn how to design new waveguide technology for increasing bitrate data communication in the C-band area.