CMOS-compatible, AlScN-based integrated electro-optic phase shifter

Abstract

Commercial production of integrated photonic devices is limited by scalability of desirable material platforms. We explore a relatively new photonic material, AlScN, for its use in electro-optic phase shifting and modulation. Its CMOS-compatibility could facilitate large-scale production of integrated photonic modulators, and it exhibits an enhanced second-order optical nonlinearity compared to intrinsic AlN, indicating the possibility for efficient modulation. Here, we measure the electro-optic effect in Al_0.80Sc_0.20N-based phase shifters. We utilized the TM0 mode, allowing use of the r₃₃ electro-optic coefficient, and demonstrated V_πL around 750 V cm. Since the electro-optic response is smaller than expected, we discuss potential causes for the reduced response and future outlook for AlScN-based photonics.