Dynamic polarization-dependent loss (DPDL) of planar-waveguide-based variable optical attenuators (VOAs)
✍ Scribed by Zhiyi Zhang; Gao Zhi Xiao; Chander P. Grover
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2004
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 124 KB
- Volume
- 43
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0895-2477
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
We analyze the dynamic polarization‐dependent loss (DPDL) of planar‐waveguide‐based variable optical attenuators (VOAs). Our studies show that thermal stress is introduced in waveguides when heat is applied to achieve optical attenuation of Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) coupler‐based VOAs made of silica, thus resulting in an unacceptable DPDL for such devices. The stress and its associated DPDL can be reduced significantly if two trenches are created along the waveguides. The DPDL can be further reduced to a negligible level by adopting a new VOA design based on straight waveguides and a silica–polymer hybrid structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 498–501, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20514