半導体フォトニクス

Information and communication technology (ICT), which forms the backbone of the current information society, has been sustained by the continuous advancement of fiber-optic communications. In recent years, internet traffic and data transmission within data centers are increasing even further due to the explosive proliferation of AI services. Consequently, there is a demand for optical communications with higher capacity, lower power consumption, and smaller footprints, making semiconductor photonic integrated circuits (PICs) utilizing materials such as Si and InP increasingly vital. Furthermore, PICs are gaining importance in optical sensing and autonomous driving powered by AI.

The first half of this lecture aims to provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary for designing PICs. This includes learning the basics of optical waveguides, as well as the fundamental operating principles, design methodologies, and numerical analysis techniques for various passive components that comprise PICs. Through these studies, the course also aims for students to master basic theories applicable to a wider range of photonics, such as coupled-mode theory and the transfer-matrix method.

Building on the understanding of passive components gained in the first half, the second half of the course covers the fundamentals of active devices involving light amplification and absorption processes. Using the semiconductor laser—the most essential active device—as an example, students will learn the principles of laser oscillation and its basic characteristics. Additionally, the course explores how the band structure and quantum structures of semiconductors influence laser performance.