Abstract
By introducing normalized mode excitation coefficient and total mode excitation coefficient, we improve the 3-D mode propagation analysis (MPA) method for convenient design and analysis of multimode interference (MMI) coupler. With the improved 3-D MPA method and point-matching method, we present a novel formulation technique to analyze the low- and high-frequency characteristics for the impedance-matched polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic (EO) switch based on MMI couplers. As an application, under 1550 nm, optimization and simulation performed for the designed device reveal low driving voltage of 1.375 V with short EO region length of 5 mm. The insertion loss and extinction ratio are less than 3.75 dB and more than 42 dB, respectively. The microwave characteristic impedance is about 49.6 Ω, and due to the less mismatch between lightwave velocity and microwave velocity, the estimated cutoff switching frequency is up to 263 GHz with the 10–90% rise time and fall time about 1.90 ps under the operation of step-style square-wave switching signal. This theoretical cutoff switching frequency is almost 1.53 times of that of our previous reported shielded EO switch with similar design technique.
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Zheng, C.T., Ma, C.S., Cui, Z.C. et al. Investigation on push-pull polymer Mach-Zehnder interferometer electro-optic switches using improved 3-D mode propagation analysis method. Opt Quant Electron 42, 327–346 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-011-9465-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-011-9465-8