Electro-photonic transmitter and receiver integrated circuits (chiplets) for co-packaged optics and methods of operation

Abstract

Electro-photonic integrated circuits comprising optical transmitters and receivers are disclosed, wherein a monolithically integrated electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) is operable bidirectionally, in a transmitter mode and in a receiver mode. Vertically stacked waveguides are provided for a laser and an electro-absorption modulator (EAM). The laser and EAM are optically coupled using a laterally tapered vertical optical coupler. The EML comprises monolithically integrated electronic circuitry, e.g., driver and control electronics for the driving the laser and EAM as an EML, in transmitter mode. The electronic circuitry comprises a transimpedance amplifier (TIA). The EAM has first and second parts that can be independently biased. In receiver mode, the laser current is reduced to close to the threshold, and a first part of the EAM is biased to absorb residual laser light, and the second part of the EAM acts as a photodiode receiver to provide a photocurrent to the TIA.