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![a Directivity (blue curve) and gain (red curve) of the double Vivaldi array as a function of the wavelength; in these simulations, the distance between the centers of the two antennas is d2V=2.0μm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$d_{2V}=2.0~\upmu \mathrm{m}$$\end{document}. b E-plane and c H-plane radiation diagrams for the double Vivaldi antenna for λ=1.55μm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\lambda = 1.55~\upmu \mathrm{m}$$\end{document}. (Color figure online)](publication/325740184/figure/fig4/AS:962130467635227@1606401187774/a-Directivity-blue-curve-and-gain-red-curve-of-the-double-Vivaldi-array-as-a-function.png)
a Directivity (blue curve) and gain (red curve) of the double Vivaldi array as a function of the wavelength; in these simulations, the distance between the centers of the two antennas is d2V=2.0μm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$d_{2V}=2.0~\upmu \mathrm{m}$$\end{document}. b E-plane and c H-plane radiation diagrams for the double Vivaldi antenna for λ=1.55μm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\lambda = 1.55~\upmu \mathrm{m}$$\end{document}. (Color figure online)
Source publication
In this paper we present a double plasmonic Vivaldi antenna for on-chip optical wireless communication. The proposed antenna is a two-element broadside array fed by a silicon waveguide. The designs of the power splitter and of the hybrid Si-plasmonic coupler used for antenna excitation are described in detail. The array radiation characteristics ar...
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Citations
... Other, more compact antenna configurations can be implemented through integrated plasmonic antennas. Different configurations of plasmonic antennas have been proposed in the literature for on-chip wireless communications [54][55][56][57]. The plasmonic antennas have very small dimensions (a few microns), but they suffer non-negligible losses due to plasmonic mode propagation in the lossy metal. ...
Optical Wireless Networks on-Chip are an emerging technology recently proposed to improve the interconnection between different processing units in densely integrated computing architectures. In this work, we propose a 4 × 4 optical wireless switch (OWS) based on optical phased arrays (OPAs) for broadband reconfigurable on-chip communication. The OPA and OWS design criteria are reported. Moreover, the performances of the OWS are analyzed and optimized considering the electromagnetic propagation in on-chip multilayer structures, with different thicknesses of the cladding layer. The effect on the OWS behavior of a non-ideal distribution of the power in input to the OPA is also investigated by designing a 1 × 7 beam splitter, based on a single-stage multi-mode interference (MMI) device to be used as a single element of the OWS. Then, the MMI output signals are considered in input to the transmitting OPAs and the OWS performances are evaluated.
... The near-field measurements will be useful to improve the design of these integrated photonic devices and affect a variety of applications, from biosensing to optical communications [32]. In Ref. [33], the increased gain of the double Vivaldi antenna for wireless optical networks makes this configuration suitable to realize longer links for inter-and intra-chip optical communications. In [34], the proposed optical wireless technology will greatly reduce the number of instantiated micro ring resonators (MRRs), which can be valuable in tackling the daunting challenge of massive-scale data processing. ...
Photonic antennas are critical in applications such as spectroscopy, photovoltaics, optical communications, holography, and sensors. Metal antennas are widely used because of their small size, but they are difficult to be compatible with a CMOS. All-dielectric antennas are easier to integrate with Si waveguides, but are generally larger in size. In this paper, we propose the design of a small-sized, high-efficiency semicircular dielectric grating antenna. The antenna’s key size is only ${2.37}\;{{\unicode{x00B5}{\rm m}}} \times {4.74}\;{{\unicode{x00B5}{\rm m}}}$ 2.37 µ m × 4.74 µ m , and the emission efficiency reaches over 64% in the wavelength range from 1.16 to 1.61 µm. The antenna provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, approach for three-dimensional optical interconnections between different decks of integrated photonic circuits.
... An important requirement for optical antennas for OWiNoCs is a high gain in the longitudinal direction (onchip plane). On this frame, two types of antennas have been developed in recent years, the plasmonic and the dielectric ones [10][11][12][13][18][19][20], both with their specific traits [20]. Dielectric antennas [10, 20] allow to reach very high gain in the longitudinal direction, between 16-23 dB. ...
... ~3.2 µm for 1.55 µm wavelength) and allow a longitudinal gain around 10 dB [12]. It should also be noted that the gain of plasmonic antennas can be significantly increased by setting them into arrays [18,19], which is easy, considering their reduced size. ...
... In previous studies, structures with increasing geometrical complexity have been addressed by considering, initially, simple boundless homogeneous media [10][11][12][13][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Then, more realistic structures based on a homogeneous cladding, with air on top and Silicon layer on bottom, have been considered using both RT and FDTD [21][22][23][24]. ...
In this work, we analyze the effects of the presence of waveguides in a wireless on-chip optical channel, which act as obstacles for the rays composing the propagating signal. The analysis has been performed numerically by using the FDTD method, and the simulation results have been validated by the experimental characterization. This work focuses on the relationship between the received signal and the position of the obstacles on the circuit plane in a multilayered channel made of heterogeneous dielectric cladding. We show how the crossing waveguide perturbates the received power and we provide ad hoc guidelines for the best topological choices allowing to mitigate losses. Moreover, with a good agreement between numerical and experimental results, amounting to a variation of less than 1 dB, we have demonstrated that the effects of this perturbation in real chips can be predicted. The results of this analysis, as well as increasing the level of knowledge of on-chip optical wireless links, allow a better comprehension and control of unbound optical signals within the optical chip environment.
... In addition, a relatively uniform E-field distribution outside the W-shaped HPNA shows that a high directivity is attained by introducing the new director in comparison to the V-shaped HPNA. In order to investigate the antenna performance, the realized gain (G) and directivity (D) of the HPNA are calculated as [39]: ...
... It is necessary to point that besides the directivity, the realized gain is the most significant parameter to optimize the antenna, because it accounts losses inside the antenna (either dielectric or conduction losses) and practically overcomes the free space path length attenuation. Antenna with high gain is obligatory in on-chip wireless connections through optical signals applications [39]. ...
... There are two approaches to calculate the array directivity and gain, analytical and numerical methods. Based on the analytical method, the array directivity is calculated from the multiplication of the single antenna directivity by the array factor formula [37,39]. Moreover, it is possible to calculate both directivity and gain based on the FDTD and FE numerical methods which multiple antennas are excited independently in-phase, without considering the signal splitter. ...
In this paper, a wideband InP-based hybrid plasmonic nano-antenna (HPNA) operating at telecommunication wavelengths has been proposed. Monolithically integrating InP-based lasers with hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW) as a feed line of the proposed HPNA on the same InGaAsP/InP wafer can increase the antenna efficiency. A new vertical director has been employed to have a highly directive horizontal radiation pattern. This enhancement is attributed to the efficient coupling between the radiation patterns of arm elements as well as reduced side lobes and back-lobes levels due to the achieved impedance matching. As a result, the directivity has been increased considerably, 3.6 dBi at 193.5 THz (1550 nm) and 1.1 dBi at 229 THz (1310 nm). The HPNA shows the high directivity, total efficiency and quality factor of 11.8, 97.49% and 94.57, respectively. Further, to verify the validity of confining the fundamental TM mode to a thin layer with the lower refractive index, both theoretical and numerical methods have been employed. Therefore, we have derived an analytical formula to investigate the HPW dispersion relation based on the transfer matrix theory and genetic algorithm. Moreover, due to the HPNA ability to receive an optical signal from free space and transmit it to the waveguide based on the reciprocity theorem, the HPNA performance as an optical wireless on-chip nano-link has been investigated analytically and numerically. Additionally, to obtain a high optical power signal and steering the beam angle, the antenna gain and directivity have been calculated with two different types of array structure by controlling the relative phase shift between the array elements and elements number. To validate the array design performance, a three dimensional full-wave numerical simulation and array factor theory have been exploited. The HPNA fabrication is compatible with generic foundry technology.
... In addition, a relatively uniform E-field distribution outside the W-shaped HPNA shows that a high directivity is attained by introducing the new director in comparison to the V-shaped HPNA. In order to investigate the antenna performance, the realized gain (G) and directivity (D) of the HPNA are calculated as [39]: ...
... It is necessary to point that besides the directivity, the realized gain is the most significant parameter to optimize the antenna, because it accounts losses inside the antenna (either dielectric or conduction losses) and practically overcomes the free space path length attenuation. Antenna with high gain is obligatory in on-chip wireless connections through optical signals applications [39]. ...
... There are two approaches to calculate the array directivity and gain, analytical and numerical methods. Based on the analytical method, the array directivity is calculated from the multiplication of the single antenna directivity by the array factor formula [37,39]. Moreover, it is possible to calculate both directivity and gain based on the FDTD and FE numerical methods which multiple antennas are excited independently in-phase, without considering the signal splitter. ...
In this paper, a wideband InP-based hybrid plasmonic nano-antenna (HPNA) operating
at telecommunication wavelengths has been proposed. Monolithically integrating InP-based
lasers with hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW) as a feed line of the proposed HPNA on the
same InGaAsP/InP wafer can increase the antenna efficiency. A new vertical director has been
employed to have a highly directive horizontal radiation pattern. This enhancement is attributed to
the efficient coupling between the radiation patterns of arm elements as well as reduced side lobes
and back-lobes levels due to the achieved impedance matching. As a result, the directivity has
been increased considerably, 3.6 dBi at 193.5 THz (1550 nm) and 1.1 dBi at 229 THz (1310 nm).
The HPNA shows the high directivity, total efficiency and quality factor of 11.8, 97.49% and
94.57, respectively. Further, to verify the validity of confining the fundamental TM mode to a
thin layer with the lower refractive index, both theoretical and numerical methods have been
employed. Therefore, we have derived an analytical formula to investigate the HPW dispersion
relation based on the transfer matrix theory and genetic algorithm. Moreover, due to the HPNA
ability to receive an optical signal from free space and transmit it to the waveguide based on the
reciprocity theorem, the HPNA performance as an optical wireless on-chip nano-link has been
investigated analytically and numerically. Additionally, to obtain a high optical power signal
and steering the beam angle, the antenna gain and directivity have been calculated with two
different types of array structure by controlling the relative phase shift between the array elements
and elements number. To validate the array design performance, a three dimensional full-wave
numerical simulation and array factor theory have been exploited. The HPNA fabrication is
compatible with generic foundry technology.
... It is worth pointing out that the multi-level numerical approach proposed in this paper is virtually applicable to every optical antenna configuration, such as multiple-feed arrays of plasmonic antennas [38] or dielectric antennas [19,39] and to every multilayered environment. ...
Networks-on-chip are being regarded as a promising solution to meet the on-going requirement for higher and higher computation capacity. In view of future kilo-cores architectures, electrical wired connections are likely to become inefficient and alternative technologies are being widely investigated. Wireless communications on chip may be therefore leveraged to overcome the bottleneck of physical interconnections. This work deals with wireless networks-on-chip at optical frequencies, which can simplify the network layout and reduce the communication latency, easing the antenna on-chip integration process at the same time. On the other end, optical wireless communication on-chip can be limited by the heavy propagation losses and the possible cross-link interference. Assessment of the optical wireless network in terms of bit error probability and maximum communication range is here investigated through a multi-level approach. Manifold aspects, concurring to the final system performance, are simultaneously taken into account, like the antenna radiation properties, the data-rate of the core-to core communication, the geometrical and electromagnetic layout of the chip and the noise and interference level. Simulations results suggest that communication up to some hundreds of μm can be pursued provided that the antenna design and/or the target data-rate are carefully tailored to the actual layout of the chip.
... Moreover, hybrid wireless optical on chip communication takes advantage of the entire WDM spectrum when propagating in the optical wired links, guaranteeing even higher multiple capacities, as required by intra-chip communications [43]. Various configurations of plasmonic nanoantennas for supporting wireless-optical on chip communication have been proposed in the literature, such as plasmonic horn nanoantennas [44], a directional plasmonic Yagi-Uda nanoantenna placed on a dielectric waveguide [45], or a plasmonic nanoantenna array on a dielectric waveguide [46], or various configurations of plasmonic Vivaldi antennas (double, or an array of them) to name but a few [47,48]. Plasmonic antennas will be described more analytically in the upcoming section. ...
... By increasing the number of Vivaldi antennas, an increase in the directivity and the gain is anticipated too. Hence, double Vivaldi broadside antenna [47], and antenna array configuration based on tilted plasmonic Vivaldi antennas [48], are improving the total antenna radiation performance. A double Vivaldi antenna and its coupling details are shown in Figure 14a,b respectively. ...
... A double Vivaldi antenna and its coupling details are shown in Figure 14a,b respectively. All these Vivaldi hybrid structures are characterized as SOI integrated as the optical signals could be propagated through silicon waveguides and plasmonic nanoantennas wireless links, thus avoiding integration of electronic devices and electro-optical conversions, and reducing complexity and energy costs [47]. However, efficient coupling between plasmonic antennas and SOI waveguides is a non-trivial issue, and proper plasmon based impedance matched elements are required to tackle with this issue. ...
Wireless data traffic has experienced an unprecedented boost in past years, and according to data traffic forecasts, within a decade, it is expected to compete sufficiently with wired broadband infrastructure. Therefore, the use of even higher carrier frequency bands in the THz range, via adoption of new technologies to equip future THz band wireless communication systems at the nanoscale is required, in order to accommodate a variety of applications, that would satisfy the ever increasing user demands of higher data rates. Certain wireless applications such as 5G and beyond communications, network on chip system architectures, and nanosensor networks, will no longer satisfy speed and latency demands with existing technologies and system architectures. Apart from conventional CMOS technology, and the already tested, still promising though, photonic technology, other technologies and materials such as plasmonics with graphene respectively, may offer a viable infrastructure solution on existing THz technology challenges. This survey paper is a thorough investigation on the current and beyond state of the art plasmonic system implementation for THz communications, by providing in-depth reference material, highlighting the fundamental aspects of plasmonic technology roles in future THz band wireless communication and THz wireless applications, that will define future demands coping with users’ needs.
... Surface plasmons (SPs) are unique and popular for their capacity to achieve sub-wavelength scale features and field localization [1]. In addition to allowing the creation of interesting waveguiding systems and nano-antennas [2][3][4][5], those optical traits, added to metamaterials' properties, enable the enhancement of a plethora of optical phenomena, making them particularly successful in fields such as near-fields microscopy and chemical/biological sensing [6,7]. Circular dichroism (CD) of a specific material can be defined as its different response towards light with circular right and left polarizations, read as transmission or absorption; but the mathematical representation is subject to multiple conventions. ...
Circularly dichroic metasurfaces are highly sought for a plethora of applications; while many alternative options are present in the literature, it is hard to select an approach that combines high circular dichroism (CD) with stable performances and easy reproducibility. In this work, we have designed and experimentally investigated a planar plasmonic metamaterial based on a comma-shaped geometry, which features such characteristics. We have focused the complexity of realization in the design process, which combines intrinsic chirality and high field localization, while fabrication was executed by using a standard single-step lift-off procedure. We have produced two classes of samples, closely related in shape but differing slightly in designing method and results, both reaching high levels of CD. Experiments on the first reveal the sensibility of the metasurface to geometrical variations due to fabrication non-idealities, as often happens in metamaterials based on surface plasmons and resonances; on the other hand, with the second, we demonstrate that it is possible to guarantee stable peak values on specific wavelength ranges, even when dealing with relevant fabrication tolerances. Moreover, numerical analyses suggest the possibility to reach values converging toward unity. The ease of implementation by using standard fabrication procedures and the robustness of the performance even with fabrication imprecisions make our proposed metamaterial eligible for adoption for further research in high-precision spectroscopy and implementation at industrial scale.
... Surface Plasmons (SP) are a physical phenomenon, which is of great interest in the field of nano-technologies, as it enables strong field localization and sub-wavelength scale optical elements [3]. Such characteristics can be used to develop a variety of optical devices, such as multilayer optical integrated circuits [4], high gain antennas [5][6][7][8], nano-resonators [9], etc. SPs optical traits, together with the metamaterials properties, make them particularly useful in modern scientific area such chemical/biological sensing and near-field microscopy [10,11]. ...
Metamaterials presenting a high circular dichroism are highly sought for various possible applications. Geometries in literature present the choice between complex elaborate geometries and shallow performances. In this work, we introduce a new planar geometry for a plasmonic metamaterial array featuring a high CD over a large bandwidth. We present the details on the related design methodology and fabrication procedures. During design step, shape variations around the perfect values have also been simulated and taken into account, and the performance are robust. The planar geometry helps not only to simplify the fabrication processes, which makes it more accessible for various applications, inexpensive and industrially feasible.
... The optical power in input to the waveguide is transferred to the antenna, through a vertical directional coupler, and then radiated in the surrounding medium in the direction of the propagation in the Si waveguide. Moreover, starting from the antenna configuration in [22], in [23] the authors proposed a two-element antenna array fed by a waveguide signal splitter. The structure achieved a 3 dB improvement of the gain with respect to the single antenna (i.e. ...
... G = 9.9 dB). In the case of the array proposed in [23], in order to increase the number of antennas, an N-ways signal splitter must be designed, which constraints the overall size of the array. ...
Optical technology applied to on-chip wireless communication is particularly promising to overcome the performance limitations of the state-of-the-art networks on-chip. A key enabling component for such applications is the plasmonic antenna coupled to conventional silicon waveguides, which can guarantee full compatibility with standard optical circuitry. In this paper, we propose an antenna array configuration based on tilted plasmonic Vivaldi antennas coupled to a silicon waveguide. The details of the single antenna and of the array design are reported. The radiation characteristics of the array are suitable for on-chip point-to-point communication, i.e. in-plane maximum gain of 14.70 dB for an array with five antennas. The array exploits a travelling wave feeding scheme and, therefore, is compact in size (about 3.5 µm × 8.7 µm ).
