Russian Researchers Develop Electro-Optic Modulator for Silicon Nitride Photonic Chips
Integrated device operates at frequencies above 1 GHz
Researchers at Bauman Moscow State Technical University have developed an integrated electro-optic modulator for a silicon nitride photonic platform. The device already demonstrates operation at frequencies above 1 GHz and could serve as a core component for telecom systems and photonic computing.
Overcoming Material Limits
The work was carried out by specialists at Bauman University’s Quantum Park in collaboration with the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Automation. The team built the modulator on a silicon nitride (SiN) platform using transparent conductive oxides.
Silicon nitride is widely used in photonic integrated circuits. It is stable, compatible with microelectronics manufacturing and performs well in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. However, SiN has almost no intrinsic electro-optic effect, which has long limited the ability to rapidly control light directly on a chip.
Changing the Properties of Light
Conventional systems typically rely on lithium niobate for light modulation. While it provides a strong electro-optic effect, the resulting devices are relatively large and not always suited for dense integration.
The Russian team adopted a different approach. The device is based on a multilayer structure composed of five ultrathin layers. Under an applied electric field, the concentration of charge carriers in the transparent conductive oxide changes. This alters the optical properties of the waveguide and enables control of the transmitted light signal.
In other words, the electrical impulse does not generate light but modifies the parameters of the optical wave already propagating through the chip. The switching frequency exceeds 1 GHz, meeting the requirements of modern high-speed systems.
Prospects for IT and Photonic Platforms
A compact integrated SiN modulator opens the way to denser photonic circuits. This is relevant for data centers, next-generation communication systems and emerging quantum platforms that require precise and fast control of light.
Russian research centers are increasingly moving toward developing their own components for a domestic photonic ecosystem. For the sector, this marks progress toward integrated photonics and the development of high-speed computing systems based on homegrown technologies.
