End-Fire Silicon Optical Phased Array with Half-Wavelength Spacing

Abstract: We demonstrate a one-dimensional optical phased array on an integrated silicon platform for operation at 1.55 microns. Light is emitted end-fire from the chip edge where the waveguides are terminated. The innovative design and high confinement afforded by the silicon waveguides enables lambda/2 spacing (775-nm pitch) at the output. Steering is achieved by inducing a phase shift between the waveguides via integrated thermo-optic heaters. The device forms a beam with a FWHM angular width of 17 degrees, and we demonstrate beam steering over a 64 degrees range.