Defect modes in micro-ring resonator arrays

Abstract

The existence of localized or defect modes in a periodic array of symmetric and lossless micro-ring resonators is demonstrated for both finite and infinite structures using the transfer matrix method, for two types of array: one consisting of a cascade of coupled resonators coupled to an input and an output waveguide, and another consisting of uncoupled resonators periodically coupled between two bus waveguides. The defect can be introduced either by removing one ring, or by making one ring bigger or smaller. The 1-D periodic dielectric waveguide structures consisting of micro-ring resonators can exhibit photonic bandgaps, and when point defects are introduced defect states can form within the bandgaps, giving rise to donor and acceptor modes similar to other photonic crystals. The results based on the transfer matrix model agree with the finite-difference time-domain method, and are compared with those of a quarter-wave mirror stack.