Investigation of Mach-Zehnder interferometer properties based on PLC technology

Abstract

We report investigations of three types of silica-based thermo-optic modulating Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs). They are widely used in optical communication and quantum photonics. Three types of MZIs are fabricated. The waveguide structure and fabrication process are paid special attention. The power consumption is less than 250 mW for all MZIs. The polarization dependent loss (PDL) at the same attenuation using the upper heater is less than that using the lower heater for the three types of MZIs. In addition, it is found that the PDL at the same attenuation increases gradually for π, 2π and 0 phase differences. The measured response time of the three types of MZIs is less than 1.8 ms.