Parity time symmetric directional couplers with phase tuning

Abstract

Implementations disclosed herein provide for devices and methods for obtaining parity time (PT) symmetric directional couplers through improved phase tuning, along with separate optical gain and optical loss tuning. The present disclosure integrates phase tuning and optical gain/loss tuning structures into waveguides of directional couplers disclosed herein. In some examples, directional couplers disclosed herein integrate one or more hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) formed by a dielectric layer between two semiconductor layers that provide for phase tuning via plasma dispersion and/or carrier accumulation depending on voltage bias polarity, and one or more optically active medium that provide for optical gain or loss tuning depending on voltage bias polarity.