Abstract

Photonic integration is a key issue in achieving low cost, reliable and high speed photonic components. Semiconductor based microring resonators have become attractive since their successful implementation in various different applications. E.g. multi channel add-drop filters, notch filters, switching devices, and also dispersion compensators have been demonstrated. Compact devices with a tiny footprint are prerequisite for cost effective solutions, but the reduction of the resonator size is also necessary to assure high bitrate applications. The miniaturization of microrings can be achieved by using tightly confined ring waveguides. Optimum coupling conditions of the microrings to bus waveguides can be achieved by applying a vertical integration concept where a sub micrometer coupler gap can be precisely controlled with epitaxial growth accuracy. This allows the fabrication of ultra short couplers. Here, we summarize our approach on the realization of vertically coupled active ring resonator devices based on InP.

© 2007 IEEE