Silicon photonic chips gain light functions with ultrathin crystal films

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a method to add ultrathin single-crystal films to silicon photonic circuits, enabling light modulation, control and detection. Crystals are grown separately and transferred onto the chip, avoiding compatibility issues with silicon. The work was published in Nature.

• BTO, CFO, gallium arsenide and gallium nitride films provide modulation, control and detection
• Detection spans wavelengths from ultraviolet to near-infrared light
• Stacked BTO and CFO on silicon micro-ring resonators control light electrically and magnetically
• The modular approach is described as "photonic Legos"