Source: PhotonDelta

Understanding Photonic Integrated Circuits

Introduction to Photonic Integrated Circuits

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are devices that integrate multiple optical and sometimes electronic components on a single chip. This technology, known as integrated optics, is typically fabricated using lithography on substrates such as silicon, silica, or materials like lithium niobate.

Features and Applications

PICs can host arrays of identical components or complex circuit configurations. While not as complex as electronic integrated circuits, they are widely used in optical fiber communications, fiber-optic networks, optical sensors, and metrology applications.

Mode Areas in PICs

PICs can have waveguides with smaller or larger mode areas. Waveguides with strong confinement allow for high integration levels but are polarization dependent. In contrast, waveguides with weaker guidance are polarization-insensitive but limit integration levels due to bend restrictions.

Application Areas

PICs find applications in various fields, often tailored for specific uses as application-specific photonic integrated circuits (ASPIC).

Fabrication in Foundries

Similar to microelectronics, PIC fabrication can be outsourced to foundries with specialized fabrication capabilities. Foundries offer diverse technology platforms like indium phosphide (InP), gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon on insulator (SOI), and silica on silicon.

Conclusion

Photonic integrated circuits play a crucial role in modern optical technologies, enabling compact and efficient solutions for a wide range of applications. As technology advances, PICs are expected to drive innovations in communication, sensing, and other photonics-related fields.

Source: Fraunhofer IMS – Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
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