Dissertation Defense: Kerry Nierenberg, "Advancing Optical Communication: Reliability of Foundry-Based Technology and Reimagination of Silicon Photonics at 2.2–2.3 Microns"

Abstract

Real, meaningful advances in the field of photonics require not only novelty, but also consistency. Developers of integrated optics rely on foundries for collaboration in design and fabrication of technologies. We present statistics on the performance of microdisk resonators produced by the AIM Photonics foundry. Simultaneously, we share the outcome of a unique opportunity to conduct a reliability and manufacturability study of the same foundry-based devices. Then the research subject shifts to an exploration of silicon photonics in a longer infrared wavelength regime (2.2–2.3 µm). For this work, we designed multimode interference (MMI) and directional coupler (DC) splitters and later conducted tests to confirm their operation. Finally, we document efforts in process development for optical phase shifter modulators also intended to work at 2.2 µm. In summary, this dissertation offers novel insight into the design, production, and characterization of photonic elements.