Ultra-compact mode converters with nano strips for efficient phase shifting.

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) is an effective solution to improve the integration of photonic integrated circuits. MDM systems increase the number of channels for data transmission by introducing higher-order modes. The mode converter is a key component for MDM. In this work, we propose a novel ultra-compact mode converters in the silicon-on-insulator platform, combining beam splitters with nano strips. The nano strips are used to achieve the phase matching. The high-performance TE 1 -TE 0 , TE 2 -TE 0 , and TE 3 -TE 0 mode converters exhibit high conversion efficiency and broad transmission bandwidth, in ultra-small footprints. • An novel ultracompact mode converter combining beam splitters with nano strips has been proposed. The mode conversion efficiency from TE 1 to TE 0 reaches 81% with a small footprint of 1. 3 × 15. 1 μ m 2 . • The proposed mode converter is also able to design for higher-order mode conversion. And they also have a very good performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]