Optimization of waveguide components for symmetric-Mach-Zehnder-type all-optical switch based on photonic crystals

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Two dimensional (2D) photonic crystal (PC) slab waveguides are attractive candidate to develop all-optical integrated circuits for future high-speed photonic network system. For developing high-functionality devices, the design of waveguide components is crucial in the PC technology. A topology optimization (TO) method is an efficient optimization algorithm that creates desired material distribution for customizing waveguide components with expected functionality. We employed the TO method to design waveguide components in air-bridge-type, 2D PC slabs. Bu fabricating GaAs-based PC slabs, we successfully demonstrated that the TO design method has remarkably contributed to achievement of intersection, bend, directional coupler and Y-junction waveguides with wide bandwidth and transmittance comparable to that of the straight waveguide. The results are encouraging for the development of a photonic digital processor as well as ultra-fast, all-optical devices based on 2D PC slab waveguides.