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Large-Scale Photonics Integration: Data Communications to Optical Beamforming

Citation

Khachaturian, Aroutin (2021) Large-Scale Photonics Integration: Data Communications to Optical Beamforming. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/xjby-xn13. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02162021-124026838

Abstract

Integrated photonics is an emerging technology that has begun to transform our way of life with the same amount of impact that integrated CMOS electronics has. Currently, photonics integration is orders of magnitude less complicated than its electronics counterparts. Nonetheless, it serves as one of the main driving forces to meet the exponentially increasing demand for high-speed and low-cost data transfer in the Information Age. It also promises to provide solutions for next-generation high-sensitivity image sensors and precision metrology and spectroscopy instruments. In this thesis, integrated photonics architectures for solid-state photonic beamforming and processing are investigated for high-resolution and high sensitivity lens-free transceiver applications. Furthermore, high-efficiency integrated electro-optical modulators aiming to meet the demand of high-density photonic integration with improved modulation efficiency, small footprint, and lower insertion loss are investigated.

Two integrated photonic solid-state beamforming architectures incorporating two-dimensional apertures are explored. First, a novel transceiver architecture for remote sensing, coherent imaging, and ranging applications is demonstrated. It reduces system implementation complexity and offers a methodology for very-large-scale coherent transceiver beamforming applications. Next, a transmitter beamforming architecture inspired by the diffraction pattern of the slit annular ring is analyzed and demonstrated. This transceiver architecture can be used for coherent beamforming applications such as imaging and point-to-point optical communication. Finally, a coherent imager architecture for high-sensitivity three-dimensional imaging and remote-sensing applications is present. This novel architecture can suppress undesired phase fluctuations of the optical carrier signal in the illumination and reference paths, providing higher resolution and higher acquisition speed than previous implementations.

Moreover, several compact, high-speed CMOS compatible modulators that enable high-density photonic integration are explored. Ultra-compact and low insertion loss silicon-organic-hybrid modulators are designed and implemented for high-speed beamforming and high-efficiency complex signal modulation applications. Finally, a novel integrated nested-ring assisted modulator topology is analyzed and implemented for high-density and high modulation efficiency applications.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Silicon Photonics, Optical Phased Array, High-Speed Modulator, Electro-Optic Integration, Ring Resonator Modulator
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Electrical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Hajimiri, Ali
Thesis Committee:
  • Yang, Changhuei (chair)
  • Hajimiri, Ali
  • Emami, Azita
  • Vahala, Kerry J.
  • Scherer, Axel
Defense Date:9 December 2020
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:02162021-124026838
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02162021-124026838
DOI:10.7907/xjby-xn13
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1109/Group4.2015.7305996DOIArticle adopted for Chapter 6
https://doi.org/10.1109/IPCon.2015.7323627DOIArticle adopted for Chapter 7
https://doi.org/10.1364/CLEO_SI.2018.SM3B.6DOIArticle adopted for Chapter 8
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Khachaturian, Aroutin0000-0001-8304-3302
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:14080
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Aroutin Khachaturian
Deposited On:23 Mar 2021 00:16
Last Modified:08 Aug 2022 17:06

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