Microring modulator matrix integrated with mode multiplexer and de-multiplexer for on-chip optical interconnect.

We experimentally demonstrate a 4 × 4 microring modulator matrix integrated with the asymmetrical directional couplers based mode multiplexer and de-multiplexer photonic circuit for on-chip optical interconnect. The inter-mode optical crosstalk of the device is less than -20 dB in the wavelength range from 1525 nm to 1565 nm. Data transmission with a throughput capacity of 4 × 4 × 32 Gbps is achieved by utilizing four wavelengths and four spatial modes multiplexing. We envision this structure as a potential solution to increase the communication capacity for on-chip interconnect within limited chip area.