High-performance silicon polarization switch based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer integrated with polarization-dependent mode converters

Abstract As the key element for optical systems, polarization controllers with versatile functionalities are highly desired. Here, a CMOS-compatible switch is proposed and realized by using Mach–Zehnder interferometer integrated two polarization-dependent mode converters (PDMCs) at input/output ends. The PDMCs, which utilize hybridness adiabatic evolution in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) ridge waveguide taper, provide low-loss transmission launched TE 0 as well efficient conversion from TM to 1 mode. For MZI structure, there × 2 dual-mode 3-dB power splitters based on triple-core thermally-tunable phase-shifters embedded arms. state extinction ratio (PER) of transmitted light can be dynamically tuned introducing some phase difference between arms electrically. fabricated device has an excess loss ?0.6 dB modes. When off, modes go through without exchange. In contrast, when on, –TM occurs measured PER about 20 dB.