Hans Binsma

Bio: Hans Binsma is an academic researcher from Eindhoven University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Optical switch & Optical burst switching. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 619 citations. Previous affiliations of Hans Binsma include JDSU.

A fast low-power optical memory based on coupled micro-ring lasers.

Abstract: The increasing speed of fibre-optic-based telecommunications has focused attention on high-speed optical processing of digital information1. Complex optical processing requires a high-density, high-speed, low-power optical memory that can be integrated with planar semiconductor technology for buffering of decisions and telecommunication data2. Recently, ring lasers with extremely small size and low operating power have been made3,4,5,6,7, and we demonstrate here a memory element constructed by interconnecting these microscopic lasers. Our device occupies an area of 18 × 40 µm2 on an InP/InGaAsP photonic integrated circuit, and switches within 20 ps with 5.5 fJ optical switching energy. Simulations show that the element has the potential for much smaller dimensions and switching times. Large numbers of such memory elements can be densely integrated and interconnected on a photonic integrated circuit: fast digital optical information processing systems employing large-scale integration should now be viable.

All-optical switching of 80 Gb/s data packets using a wavelength converter controlled by a monolithically integrated optical flip-flop

Abstract: We demonstrate that 80 Gb/s data-packets can be all-optically switched into two different ports employing an optical wavelength converter controlled by a monolithically integrated optical flip-flop memory. The optical wavelength converter consists of a semiconductor optical amplifier and an optical filter. The integrated optical flip-flop exhibits single-mode operation, has 35 dB contrast ratio between the states and switches state in about 2 ns. We show that the integrated flip-flop is capable to control an optical wavelength conversion up to 160 Gb/s. The system is capable of routing 80 Gb/s data packets with duration of 35 ns, separated by 15 ns of guard time.

Photonic integrated circuits: where are the limits?

Abstract: The integration scale in Photonic Integrated Circuits will be pushed to VLSI-level in the coming decade. Key technologies in semiconductor-based Photonic Integration are reviewed and the limits for reduction of device dimensions are discussed.

All Optical Packet Switching above 80 Gb/s

Abstract: All-optical packet switching is discussed. In particular, we focus on the utilisation of monolithically integrated building to achieve high-bit-rate operation.

Recent progress in lasers on silicon

Abstract: Silicon lasers have long been a goal for semiconductor scientists, and a number of important breakthroughs in the past decade have focused attention on silicon as a photonic platform. Here we review the most recent progress in this field, including low-threshold silicon Raman lasers with racetrack ring resonator cavities, the first germanium-on-silicon lasers operating at room temperature, and hybrid silicon microring and microdisk lasers. The fundamentals of carrier transition physics in crystalline silicon are discussed briefly. The basics of several important approaches for creating lasers on silicon are explained, and the challenges and opportunities associated with these approaches are discussed. Silicon lasers have long been a goal for semiconductor scientists. This Progress Article reviews the most recent developments in this field, including silicon Raman lasers, the first germanium-on-silicon lasers operating at room temperature, and hybrid silicon microring and microdisk lasers. Challenges and opportunities for the present approaches are also discussed.

Lasing in metallic-coated nanocavities

Abstract: Metallic cavities can confine light to volumes with dimensions considerably smaller than the wavelength of light. It is commonly believed, however, that the high losses in metals are prohibitive for laser operation in small metallic cavities. Here we report for the first time laser operation in an electrically pumped metallic-coated nanocavity formed by a semiconductor heterostructure encapsulated in a thin gold film. The demonstrated lasers show a low threshold current and their dimensions are smaller than the smallest electrically pumped lasers reported so far. With dimensions comparable to state-of-the-art electronic transistors and operating at low power and high speed, they are a strong contender as basic elements in digital photonic very large-scale integration. Furthermore we demonstrate that metallic-coated nanocavities with modal volumes smaller than dielectric cavities can have moderate quality factors.

Integrated all-photonic non-volatile multi-level memory

Abstract: Researchers use phase-change materials to demonstrate an integrated optical memory with 13.4 pJ switching energy.

Optical resonators with whispering-gallery modes-part II: applications

Abstract: We review photonic applications of dielectric whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonators-tracing the growth of the technology from experiments with levitating droplets of aerosols to ultrahigh-Q solid state crystalline and integrated on-chip microresonators.

Polarization-transparent microphotonic devices in the strong confinement limit

Abstract: Microphotonic structures that strongly confine light, such as photonic crystals and micron-sized resonators, have unique characteristics that could radically advance technology1,2,3,4,5,6. However, such devices cannot be used in most applications because of their inherent polarization sensitivity; they respond differently to light polarized along different axes7,8,9. To take advantage of the distinctive properties of these structures, a general, integrated, broadband solution to their polarization sensitivity is needed. Here, we show the first demonstration of such a solution. It enables arbitrary, polarization-sensitive, strong-confinement (SC) microphotonic devices to be rendered insensitive (transparent) to the input polarization at all wavelengths of operation. To test our approach, we create the first polarization-transparent add–drop filter from polarization-sensitive microring resonators. It shows almost complete elimination of polarization sensitivity over the 60-nm bandwidth measured, while maintaining outstanding filter performance. This development is a milestone for SC microphotonics, allowing the applications of photonic-crystal and microring devices to several areas, including communications, spectroscopy and remote sensing.