Silicon nanowires organic hybrid modulator based on directional coupler

All CMOS modulator based on directional coupler configuration is presented, simulated, and analyzed. The device structure utilizes the silicon-organic hybrid platform. The waveguides are made of arrays of silicon nanowires on a bulk silicon dioxide substrate. While the cladding and the voids between the silicon nanowires are filled with an electro-optic polymer. When the voltage applied across the electro-optic polymer layer changes, the polymer will have its refractive index value changed, leading to a change in the effective index. Thus, under directional coupler operation, we control the power coupled and exchanged between the two arms of the directional coupler. Utilizing Finite Difference Time Domain simulations tools, we design and simulate the operation of the modulator at the telecommunication wavelength, with promising extinction ratios.