About mask layout for Integrated Optics:
A substantial part of planar waveguide design is time spent on the mask
layout process. Though often not considered the most exciting part of
the job, it is important that this part is performed diligently and efficiently.
Layout facilities within the OlympIOs mask module are developed with the
philosophy of increasing efficiency by minimizing tedious and repetitive
work, thereby reducing the chance of errors. The mask layout module of OlympIOs
is generally recognized as the most versatile tool on the marker for the process of planar
waveguide mask layout.
Features:
- Total flexibility to design any layout
- Extensive parameterization capabilities
- Full (automatic) connectivity between waveguide segments
- Import/export to common file formats (GDSII, CIF)
- Library of planar waveguide elements
- Directly compatible with BPM module
- Hierarchical elements (groups, loops, etc.)
- Inclusion of external design files
- Inclusion of external elements
Mask layout example:
A standard example, included with the mask module, demonstrates its
suitability for complex layout jobs. The example was inspired by the work
of Okamoto et al. [1], who were the first to publish
a monolithic integrated add drop multiplexer, combining three arrayed
waveguide gratings and a switch array on a single wafer. Using the features
of the OlympIOs mask layout module the complete layout was
designed, from scratch without loss of flexibility, within two days.
Application example:
The following application note demonstrate the use of our mask module
for the layout of an Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG):
 Arrayed Waveguide Grating
1. K. Okamoto et al., "16ch
Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer using Silica-Based Arrayed Waveguide Gratings,
OFC 1995, post-deadline paper PD10. |
