News

A study published in Nature Photonics has unveiled the world's first miniature optical isolator capable of hybrid integration into photonic chips, achieving performance with less than 1.5 dB insertion loss and greater than 25 dB isolation ratio. Phasics QPI (Quantitative Phase Imaging) camera  played a critical role in enabling precise measurements of refractive index changes and waveguide morphology during the fabrication process.

The optical isolator relies on bismuth-doped iron garnet (BIG), a material as opaque as silicon to visible and infrared light. Traditional microscopy techniques were unable to analyze the laser-written waveguides embedded within BIG, creating significant challenges such as the inability to map subsurface waveguide structures and difficulty in quantifying refractive index changes for process optimization. These limitations hindered the development of high-performance isolators, which are critical for applications such as data centers, where hundreds of thousands of isolators are required.

The Phasics QPI camera provided a label-free, non-invasive solution for analyzing the opaque BIG material, enabling researchers to overcome these challenges:

• Refractive Index Measurement: The QPI camera precisely measured refractive index changes induced by femtosecond laser processing, allowing researchers to optimize laser parameters for ideal waveguide confinement.

• Multi-wavelength Compatibility Across Different Bands: Supports high refractive index "opaque" materials with wavelengths up to 1 micron, ensuring compatibility and accuracy in optical performance analysis across various bands.

• Seamless Integration: A "universal plug-in" compatible with all microscopes, enabling simultaneous phase imaging and analysis. This multimodal capability streamlined the R&D process and provided comprehensive insights into the material.

Advantages of Using Phasics QPI Cameras in Waveguide Metrology:

• High Capabilities: Achieves diffraction-limit spatial resolution, allowing for detailed visualization of waveguide structures.

• Highly Reproducible: Ensures consistent results, vital for process standardization and quality control.

• Extremely Sensitive: Capable of detecting minute variations in refractive index, crucial for high-performance photonic devices.

• Non-Destructive: Preserves the integrity of delicate waveguides during analysis.

• 2D Mapping: Offers comprehensive two-dimensional refractive index profiles.

• Real-Time Calculation: Provides immediate feedback for process adjustments.

• Easy to Use: Simplifies complex measurements, making it accessible for various user levels.

• Compact and Plug-and-Play: Easy integration into existing setups with minimal footprint.

This study, led by Professor Réal Vallée's team at Université Laval in collaboration with Jay Photonics and AEPONYX, highlights the potential of Phasics QPI in advancing photonics research and development. Whether you're developing next-generation photonic devices, optimizing semiconductor fabrication, or conducting cutting-edge biomedical research, the Phasics QPI camera delivers the precision, speed, and versatility needed to accelerate innovation.

Discover how Phasics QPI can transform your research and development:

[Explore QPI Applications in Material inspection]  | [Explore QPI Applications in BIO]  | [Request a Demo]

Read the full Nature Photonics article: HERE