Tunable reflectors based on multi-cavity interference
A reflective structure includes an input/output port and an optical splitter coupled to the input/output port. The optical splitter has a first branch and a second branch. The reflective structure also includes a first resonant cavity optically coupled to the first branch of the optical splitter. The first resonant cavity comprises a first set of reflectors and a first waveguide region disposed between the first set of reflectors. The reflective structures further includes a second resonant cavity optically coupled to the second branch of the optical splitter. The second resonant cavity comprises a second set of reflectors and a second waveguide region disposed between the second set of reflectors.
1. A tunable reflector structure comprising:
an input/output port;
an optical splitter coupled to the input/output port;
a first resonant cavity coupled to a first output of the optical splitter;
a second resonant cavity coupled to a second output of the optical splitter;
wherein at least one of the first resonant cavity or the second resonant cavity include a phase control element and the first resonant cavity and the second resonant cavity form a loop with the optical splitter.
2. The tunable reflector structure of claim 1 wherein the first resonant cavity and the second resonant cavity share a common reflector.
3. The tunable reflector structure of claim 1 wherein the first resonant cavity and the second resonant cavity comprise sidewall modulated waveguide reflectors.
4. The tunable reflector structure of claim 1 wherein a cavity length of the first resonant cavity differs from a cavity length of the second resonant cavity.
5. The tunable reflector structure of claim 1 wherein the first resonant cavity and the second resonant cavity comprise Fabry-Perot cavities.
6. The tunable reflector structure of claim 1 wherein the optical splitter comprises a directional coupler.