Plasmonic Mach-Zehnder Interferometers Based on Air-Gap Couplers

Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) are vital in optical biosensor applications and high-density integrated photonic circuits. In this research work, we theoretically investigate the design steps of MZIs, consisting of 3-dB plasmonic splitters sandwiched between two dielectric waveguides with an air...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Rami A. Wahsheh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2023-01-01
Series:IEEE Photonics Journal
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Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10308567/
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Summary:Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) are vital in optical biosensor applications and high-density integrated photonic circuits. In this research work, we theoretically investigate the design steps of MZIs, consisting of 3-dB plasmonic splitters sandwiched between two dielectric waveguides with an air-gap coupler at the interface from each side. The proposed MZI designs feature a compact size, ensuring high transmission coupling efficiency without introducing additional radiation or reflection losses, as observed in tapered, T- and Y-shaped splitters. The analytical results and simulations prove that the proposed MZI designs offer a broad spectrum range with a high fabrication tolerance and the ability to use them in all-optical plasmonic circuits.
ISSN:1943-0655