Photodiode isolation in a photonic integrated circuit
US8269297B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2813
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Consistent with the present disclosure, a current blocking layer is provided between output waveguides carrying light to be sensed by the photodiodes in a balanced photodetector, and the photodiodes themselves. Preferably, the photodiodes are provided above the waveguides and sense light through evanescently coupling with the waveguides. In addition, the current blocking layer may include alternating p and n-type conductivity layers, such that, between adjacent ones of such layers, a reverse biased pn-junction is formed. The pn-junctions, therefore, limit the amount of current flowing from one photodiode of the balanced detector to the other, thereby improving performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.