Low-loss integrated photonics for the blue and ultraviolet regime

Abstract: We present a low-loss integrated photonics platform in the visible and near ultraviolet regime. Fully-etched waveguides based on atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide operate in a single transverse mode with $<$3 dB/cm propagation loss at a wavelength of 371 nm. Ring resonators with intrinsic quality factors exceeding 470,000 are demonstrated at 405 nm, and the thermo optic coefficient of ALD aluminum oxide is estimated to be $2.75\times10^{-5}$ [RIU/$^\circ$C]. Absorption loss is sufficiently low to allow on-resonance operation with intra-cavity powers up to at least 12.5 mW, limited by available laser power. Experimental and simulated data indicates the propagation loss is dominated by sidewall roughness, suggesting lower loss in the blue and UV is achievable.