Zero-power calibration of photonic circuits at cryogenic temperatures

• Published in: arXiv.org 2021-05
• Main Authors: Burridge, Ben M, Villarreal-Garcia, Gerardo E, Gentile, Antonio A, Pisu Jiang, Barreto, Jorge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calibration; Circuits; Cryogenic temperature; Optical properties; Optical waveguides; Photonics; Power consumption; Power management; Reconfiguration; Sublimation; Superconductivity; Thickness; Tuning; Xenon
• ISSN: 2331-8422
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2105.04721

The continual success of superconducting photon-detection technologies in quantum photonics asserts cryogenic-compatible systems as a cornerstone of full quantum photonic integration. Here, we present a way to reversibly fine-tune the optical properties of individual waveguide structures through local changes to their geometry using solidified xenon. Essentially, we remove the need for additional on-chip calibration elements, effectively zeroing the power consumption tied to reconfigurable elements, with virtually no detriment to photonic device performance. We enable passive circuit tuning in pressure-controlled environments, locally manipulating the cladding thickness over portions of optical waveguides. We realize this in a cryogenic environment, through controlled deposition of xenon gas and precise tuning of its thickness using sublimation, triggered by on-chip resistive heaters. \(\pi\) phase shifts occur over a calculated length of just \(L_{\pi}\) = 12.3\(\pm\)0.3 \(\mu m\). This work paves the way towards the integration of compact, reconfigurable photonic circuits alongside superconducting detectors, devices, or otherwise.