Learn about the 3 most common types of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and their applications. Discover the advantages of using PICs in modern optical communication systems.

3 Most Common Types of Photonic Integrated Circuits

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are integrated circuits that use light to transmit and manipulate information. They are an essential component of modern optical communication systems, allowing for high-speed data transmission and processing. There are various types of PICs, but in this article, we will discuss the three most common types of photonic integrated circuits.

Silicon PICs

Silicon photonic integrated circuits are the most widely used type of PICs. They use silicon as the base material, and the circuits are fabricated using standard semiconductor processing techniques. Silicon PICs are relatively cheap to manufacture and offer a high level of integration, making them ideal for use in optical communication systems. They can be used for a variety of applications, including data center interconnects, telecommunications, and sensing.

Silicon PICs typically consist of a waveguide, a modulator, a photodetector, and an amplifier. The waveguide is used to guide the light through the circuit, while the modulator is used to manipulate the light’s intensity. The photodetector is used to detect the light, and the amplifier is used to amplify the signal.

Indium Phosphide PICs

Indium phosphide photonic integrated circuits are another common type of PICs. They are often used in high-speed optical communication systems because they offer high bandwidth and low noise. Indium phosphide PICs are made using a specialized semiconductor process that allows for the precise control of the material’s composition and structure.