Caltech breakthrough brings fiber-optic performance to silicon chips
Caltech scientists have created ultra-low-loss optical pathways on silicon chips that approach the efficiency of fiber optics and dramatically outperform existing technology at visible wavelengths. The breakthrough could unlock more powerful lasers, miniature atomic sensors and clocks, quantum systems, and more energy-efficient data centers.
Caltech researchers have developed a method to print optical circuits directly onto silicon wafers, achieving levels of performance comparable to optical fiber. This breakthrough could enable new technologies in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for applications such as optical clocks, gyroscopes, AI data center communications, and quantum computing.
The team's technique involves creating waveguides using germano-silicate, a glass similar to that used in optical fiber. By arranging these waveguides in spirals, light is able to travel a longer optical path within a small area. The researchers report that their devices have demonstrated ultralow loss and substantially surpass previous silicon nitride based devices at visible wavelengths.
This advancement could reduce energy costs in server infrastructure by efficiently transferring light between optical fibers and semiconductor lasers. The researchers believe that the ability to create low-loss waveguides across visible wavelengths will enable a wide range of technologies, from atomic sensors and optical clocks to improved laser coherence.
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