Zero-Power Calibration of Photonic Circuits at Cryogenic Temperatures

Ben M. Burridge, Gerardo E. Villarreal-Garcia, Antonio A. Gentile, Pisu Jiang, Jorge Barreto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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. π-Phase shifts occur over a calculated length of just Lπ = 12.3 ± 0.3 μm. This work paves the way toward the integration of compact, reconfigurable photonic circuits alongside superconducting detectors, devices, or otherwise.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberhttps://doi.org/10.1021/acsphotonics.1c00714
Pages (from-to)2683-2691
Number of pages9
JournalACS Photonics
Volume8
Issue number9
Early online date27 Aug 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Sept 2021

Research Groups and Themes

  • Bristol Quantum Information Institute
  • Photonics and Quantum
  • QETLabs

Keywords

  • Integrated Photonics
  • Optical Properties
  • Quantum Photonics
  • Optical Switching
  • Calibration
  • Phase-Change
  • Phase-Shift

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