Photonic Add–Drop Filter Based on Integrated Photonic Crystal Structures

We present an integrated and pigtailed add-drop filter based on photonic crystal structures. In the characterization in static regime, the insertion losses around 25 dB are successfully overcome with the device providing error-free operation for add, drop, and multicasting operation (at 10 Gbit/s) and sustaining less than 2.5 dB of power penalty. We also emulate packet switching operation at 10 Gbit/s employing the device in combination with a silicon-wired waveguided-based integrated optical delay line, sustaining less than 2 dB power penalty. The demonstrated add-drop filter based on photonic crystal structures provides proof of the advantages of integrated structures for future all-optical photonic nodes. This compact device would be a core element of a futuristic photonic add-drop multiplexer.