Low-loss, wide-angle Y splitter at ～1.6-μm wavelengths built with a two-dimensional photonic crystal

摘要

We report a successful experimental realization of a photonic-crystal Y splitter operating at λ ～ 1.6 μm. Our device has a large splitting angle of 120°and a miniature size of ～3 μm X 3 μm. Furthermore, the Y-splitter loss is measured to be 0.5-1 dB at λ = 1640-1680 nm, making the Y splitter promising for integrated photonic-circuit applications. These unique properties are attributed to the new guiding principle made possible by the photonic bandgap.