<title>Variable optical attenuator using active multimode interference waveguide</title>

Abstract

We propose a new structure for an integrated variable optical attenuator using InGaAsP multiple quantum wells. The principle of operation relies on the self-imaging properties of multimode interference (MMI) waveguides. The device consists of a MMI region that is 12 μm wide by 350 μm long, with input and output waveguides that are 2 μm wide. The dimensions of the MMI are calculated such that an image of the input field is produced at the output waveguide. The last statement is true as long as the phase relation between the modes in the MMI section is kept constant. Therefore, by selectively perturbing the refractive index within the MMI section, the phase relation of the modes is altered, thereby modifying the interference properties at the output of the device. We present numerical simulations using the Finite-Difference Beam Propagation Method (FD-BPM), and demonstrate that optical attenuation is possible by selectively modulating the refractive index of a narrow region within the MMI section. A dynamic range of -37 dB can be easily obtained at a wavelength of 1.55 μm with a device insertion loss of 0.3 dB. The effects of electro-absorption on the device performance are also investigated.