Reflective duplexer based on silicon micromechanics for fiber-optic communication

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology 1999-01, Vol.17 (1), p.115-122
• Main Authors: Marxer, C., Gretillat, M.-A., de Rooij, N.F., Battig, R., Anthamatten, O., Valk, B., Vogel, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Assembly; Circuit properties; Costs; Duplexers; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber optics; Frequency; Insertion loss; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Light sources; Links; Micromachining; Micromechanical devices; Modulation; Modulators; Noise levels; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical fiber polarization; Optical fibers; Optical modulation; Silicon; Systems, networks and services of telecommunications; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Transmission and modulation (techniques and equipments)
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/50.737430

In this paper, we report on a passive duplexer based on reflective modulation for single-mode fibers. The component integrates a silicon micromechanical modulator and a photoreceiver in a hybrid assembly. Fabricated by the silicon micromachining technology reflective modulators allow a considerable cost reduction of single mode fiber-optic links as compared to systems operating with active light sources at both link terminals. The micromechanical modulator is characterized by a low insertion loss of less than 3 dB and polarization insensitivity. The ON-OFF ratio is typically 9 dB over a wavelength range from 1260 to 1360 nm. The operation frequency is limited by the mechanical movement of the modulator membrane to 1.3-2 MHz. We report on the characterization of fully packaged duplexer components.