Design & simulation of passive Si3N4 photonics component – grating couplers

Abstract

In today’s world, the ever-increasing demand for high-speed data transmission necessitates advancements in data transfer technologies. Photonics offers a promising solution, and silicon photonics on SOI platforms has garnered significant interest within the semiconductor market industry. However, efficient light coupling for these devices remains a challenge due to complex design requirements. Grating couplers, which are passive silicon photonics components, have shown potential solutions for efficient light coupling in silicon photonics.

In this study, various designs of Si3N4 grating couplers were explored to address the challenge of light coupling in SOI-based silicon photonics. The most optimal configuration identified in this study is fully-etched grating coupler design with gold reflector, achieving a CE of 56% at 1550 nm operating wavelength.

Ultimately, the research has demonstrated promising results with different grating coupler designs, offering viable pathways for the integration of Si3N4 grating couplers into photonic integrated circuits. This advancement will possibly contribute to the continuous development of photonic technologies.