Abstract:
Waveguide microring resonators sensors are numerously found in the Si-based technologies. Their operation, however, requires the operation of a tunable laser and the real...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
Waveguide microring resonators sensors are numerously found in the Si-based technologies. Their operation, however, requires the operation of a tunable laser and the real-time monitoring of the location of their resonance peaks. An active material with gain could omit such operation through the detection of a laser-generated signal. Here, Al2O3 is presented as an alternative technology that has the potential for such active sensing applications. Microring resonators of undoped and Er3+-doped Al2O3 were fabricated and characterized. The undoped microring resonator was used for bulk refractive index sensing with a highest sensitivity of 95 nm/RIU and a limit of detection of 2.5e-6 RIU. After optical pumping the doped devices experienced the compensation of loss through internal gain, but the losses were too high to achieve lasing in the device. This work shows the feasibility of realizing passive sensors on the Al2O3 platform and efforts are ongoing to transcend the platform from a passive to an active operation.
Date of Conference: 02-06 July 2017
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 04 September 2017
ISBN Information:
Electronic ISSN: 2161-2064