Small footprint nano-mechanical plasmonic phase modulators

TL;DR

This paper reviews a recent nano-mechanical plasmonic phase modulator demonstrating a compact, low-loss device with potential for integration into ultra-small optical switches, advancing miniaturization in photonics.

Contribution

It introduces a new phase modulation principle with experimental validation of a compact, low-loss plasmonic modulator and proposes its application in ultra-small optical switches.

Findings

Demonstrated a 23 μm long phase modulator with 1.5 π rad range

Achieved 1.7 dB excess loss at 780 nm

Designed a 0.5 μm x 2.5 μm optical switch

Abstract

The authors' recent Nature Photonics article titled "Compact Nano-Mechanical Plasmonic Phase Modulators" [1] is reviewed which reports a new phase modulation principle with experimental demonstration of a 23 {\mu}m long non-resonant modulator having 1.5 {\pi} rad range with 1.7 dB excess loss at 780 nm. Analysis showed that by decreasing all dimensions, a low loss, ultra-compact {\pi} rad phase modulator is possible. Application of this type of nano-mechanical modulator in a miniature 2 x 2 switch is suggested and an optical design numerically validated. The footprint of the switch is 0.5 {\mu}m x 2.5 {\mu}m.