Modelling and theoretical analysis of a novel common mirror based silicon photonic Michelson modulator

We propose a novel and compact common mirror Michelson modulator (CMMM) with V pi L pi of 0.38 V-cm. This is the best reported value of V pi L pi for a silicon photonic Michelson modulator. Firstly, a simplified transfer matrix model evaluating the transmission response of CMMM is evaluated. We report the GDSII layout of CMMM using state of the art AIM PHOTONICS PDK with a design floorplan of 1200 mu m x 500 mu m. The inverted L shaped ILS-PN phase shifter (n = 1e18 cm(-3); p = 3.5e17 cm(-3)) is proposed, evaluated and compared with the nominal horizontal PN variant. The ILS-PN variants have a higher value of phase change for a given V-bias and concentration. This leads to a better modulation efficiency (V pi L pi of 0.38 V-cm) at a higher effective index modulation (3.4 x 10(-4)). The effect of doping profile (DP) and source impedance Zs on the bitrate and extinction ratio (ER) of the optical transmission is evaluated and speeds of 50 Gbps with ER of 3.21 dB and E/bit of 1.5 pJ/bit are reported for the novel ILS-PN based CMMM. Effect of DP and Zs on Bit error rate and ER of CMMM is evaluated for comparison.