Si-photonics-based layer-to-layer coupler toward 3D optical interconnection

Abstract

To realize three-dimensional (3D) optical interconnection on large-scale integration (LSI) circuits, layer-to-layer couplers based on Si-photonics platform were reviewed. In terms of optical cross talk, more than 1 μm layer distance is required for 3D interconnection. To meet this requirement for the layer-to-layer optical coupler, we proposed two types of couplers: a pair of grating couplers with metal mirrors for multi-layer distance coupling and taper-type directional couplers for neighboring layer distance coupling. Both structures produced a high coupling efficiency with relatively compact (∼100 μm) device sizes with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication process.