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Abstract
Reconfiguring, modulating and processing light at visible wavelengths typically requires complex and bulky table-top optics. High resolution optical applications such as optogenetic neural studies, fluorescence microscopy, and quantum information systems have a growing need for compact and efficient platforms that can control and readout large numbers of optical channels. However, in the visible wavelength range, where key optical transitions lie, this is a significant challenge because the traditional silicon photonics chip-scale platforms cannot be leveraged due to fundamental material absorption limits. Silicon nitride has been demonstrated as a foundry-compatible, low-loss photonic platform operating down to 400 nm wavelength through optimized fabrication processes and mode engineering. This talk will highlight recent work in visible photonic integrated circuits based on silicon nitride including switching networks, optical phased arrays, chip-scale lasers, modulators and ongoing challenges for their practical application in neuroscience, imaging, and quantum systems. Finally, opportunities in fabrication tolerant design for mode-multiplexing structures will be discussed for expanding the platform’s functional capabilities.