Polarization-independent optical racetrack resonators using rib waveguides on silicon-on-insulator

In an effort to find low-cost alternatives for components currently used in dense wavelength division multiplexing, optical ring resonators fabricated on silicon on insulator are currently being investigated. Their performance can be further enhanced if they are polarization independent. Herein we use rib waveguides to control the polarization properties of the devices and hence produce polarization-independent racetrack ring resonators. Transverse electric and transverse magnetic resonant peaks are measured to within 2 pm of one another over four cycles of the free spectral range. The racetrack resonators also exhibit measured Q factors of approximately 90 000 and finesse values of 12. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.