Characterization of resonator using confocal laser scanning microscopy and its application in air density sensing

TL;DR

This paper characterizes a silicon nitride resonator using confocal laser scanning microscopy, demonstrating high Q-factor and finesse, and applies it to measure air density through resonance wavelength shifts, advancing photonic sensing techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for detailed resonator characterization with confocal microscopy and demonstrates its application in environmental air density sensing.

Findings

Resonator exhibits a Q-factor of approximately 8.2×10^4.

Finesse of the resonator is around 180.

Resonance wavelength shifts correlate with air pressure changes.

Abstract

We present the characterization of the photonic waveguide resonator using confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging method. Free space TEM$_{00}$ laser mode is coupled into quasi-TE$_{0}$ waveguide mode using confocal microscopy via a diffractive grating coupler and vice versa. Our work includes the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a silicon nitride racetrack-shaped resonator of length ~ 165 um. We illustrate clear evidence of resonance excitation from the confocal microscope image and demonstrate loaded Q-factor and finesse ~ 8.2 \pm 0.17 * 10^4 and ~ 180 \pm 3.5, respectively. We further demonstrate its one application in air density sensing by measuring the resonance wavelength shifts with variation in environment air pressure. Our work impacts spectroscopy, imaging, and sensing applications of single or ensemble atoms or molecules coupled to photonic devices. Additionally, our study highlights the potential of confocal microscopy for analyzing photonic components on large-scale integrated circuits, providing high-resolution imaging and spectral characterization.