Polarization multiplexing silicon photonic optical phased array with a wide scanning range

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a polarization multiplexed silicon optical phased array (OPA) with a wide scanning range. The two polarization states share the same power splitter tree and the phase shifter array. A polarization switch is introduced in front of the power splitter tree to manipulate the polarization state of the light in OPA. Through a polarization splitter-rotator (PSR), the light of two polarization states propagates into the superlattice grating antenna array. The wavelength tuning efficiency could be doubled by optimizing the parameters of the wave -guide grating. We demonstrate the scheme on the commonly used 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. Experimental results indicate that the 24.8 degrees vertical scanning range could be realized with a high wavelength tuning efficiency of 0.31 degrees/nm. The measured field of view (FOV) is 24.8 x 60 degrees. (c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group