Silicon photonics foundry-ready integrable high-performance analog optical modulators

In this SBIR Phase II program, the MP team will develop novel integrable modulators that enable high spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) analog photonic systems, based on silicon photonics CMOS foundry fabricated, photonic integrated circuit (PIC) devices. Modulators will be designed for highly linear and efficient modulation response, high optical power capability with low optical loss, and high-speed modulation capability; utilizing heterogeneous integration of novel InP based MQW and QDot material on Si to create phase modulation sections within MZI based modulator structures. Integrated modulators with high bandwidth (>50 GHz), low insertion loss (<4 dB), low Vpi (≤2V), with high power operation and linearized designs to support a system SFDR of 120 dB.Hz2/3, will be fabricated. The analog optical modulators will be designed to be highly integrable with other integrated photonics components, in particular, with an integrated high power, ultra-low relative intensity noise (RIN) laser and high isolation, low loss integrated isolator. The overall SBIR program goals are to develop and transition these novel integrated analog modulators and Transmit PIC devices to the AIM Photonics foundry, with all required PDK and design rules, in support of DoD applications.