Low polarization-dependent-loss double-layer grating coupler for three-dimensional photonic integration

Dense integration of silicon photonic devices is the key enabling technology for next-generation high-performance computers. In this paper, we propose a double-layer grating coupler for the future multi-layer photonic integrated system. With a pair of one-dimensional (1-D) gratings orthogonally vertical-stacked, the device can couple light between single-mode fiber and two separate waveguide layers, realizing polarization splitting and rotation in different layers simultaneously. Benefiting from the perfectly vertical coupling scheme and optimal fiber position (OFP) overlapping design, the coupling efficiency peak of the upper and lower grating are calculated to be 28% and 25% respectively. Assisted with a DBR bottom mirror, the coupling efficiency of the two gratings can be further enhanced to 33.2% and 28.9% respectively. For real application, the misalignment tolerance on grating overlapping and the incidence angle are carefully investigated. To achieve power balance between the two grating layers, the impact of top cladding thickness is analyzed and an optimized thickness of 0.6μm is chosen. From the simulation result of a back-to-back DLGC circuit, the coupling performance shows considerable robustness to the input polarization state and the PDL is under 0.5 dB within the wavelength range from 1536 nm to 1558 nm. Such a device can be a very promising solution to achieve polarization-independent coupling in the future three-dimensional (3-D) high density photonic integrated circuits.