Abstract: In one embodiment, a silicon photonic integrated circuit (PIC) includes a pair of Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) with a phase shifter to function as a 1x2 optical switches. On one path between the MZIs is a wavelength interleaver. The MZI switch can be controlled to either an all-pass mode or a by-pass mode, therefore setting configurable optical demultiplexing bandwidths to support dual 1.6 T FR8/800G FR4 network backward compatibility. The configurable multiplexer operates at set-and-forget mode for the entire operating temperature and the product’s lifetime.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for an optical coupler including an optical waveguide to guide light to an optical fiber. In embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered segment to propagate the received light to the optical fiber. In embodiments, the tapered segment is buried below a surface of a semiconductor substrate to transition the received light within the semiconductor substrate from a first optical mode to a second optical mode to reduce a loss of light during propagation of the received light from the optical waveguide to the optical fiber. In embodiments, the surface of the semiconductor substrate comprises a bottom planar surface of a silicon photonic chip that includes at least one or more of passive or active photonic components. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward techniques and configurations for an optical coupler including an optical waveguide to guide light to an optical fiber. In embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered segment to propagate the received light to the optical fiber. In embodiments, the tapered segment is buried below a surface of a semiconductor substrate to transition the received light within the semiconductor substrate from a first optical mode to a second optical mode to reduce a loss of light during propagation of the received light from the optical waveguide to the optical fiber. In embodiments, the surface of the semiconductor substrate comprises a bottom planar surface of a silicon photonic chip that includes at least one or more of passive or active photonic components. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An optical device includes a waveguide on a base and a taper on the base. The waveguide and the taper are optically aligned such that the taper and the waveguide exchange light signals during operation of the device. The taper is configured to guide the light signals through a taper material and the waveguide is configured to guide the light signals through a waveguide medium. The taper material and the waveguide medium are different materials and/or have different indices of refraction.

Abstract: An optical device includes a waveguide on a base and a taper on the base. The waveguide and the taper are optically aligned such that the taper and the waveguide exchange light signals during operation of the device. The taper is configured to guide the light signals through a taper material and the waveguide is configured to guide the light signals through a waveguide medium. The taper material and the waveguide medium are different materials and/or have different indices of refraction.

Abstract: An optical system includes a laser cavity on a base. The laser cavity generates a light signal in response to application of an electrical current to the laser cavity. The system includes first electronics that apply a target level of the electrical current to the laser cavity so as to cause the laser cavity to generate the light signal. The light signal experiences mode hops at electrical current levels that shift to higher current levels in response to increasing laser operation times. A first one of the mode hops occurs at a first current level and a second one of the mode hops occurs at a second current level that is higher than the first current level. The system also includes a phase shifter that interacts with the laser cavity so as to shift the mode hops to lower current levels than occur in the absence of the phase shifter.

Abstract: An optical system includes a laser cavity on a base. The laser cavity generates a light signal in response to application of an electrical current to the laser cavity. The system includes first electronics that apply a target level of the electrical current to the laser cavity so as to cause the laser cavity to generate the light signal. The light signal experiences mode hops at electrical current levels that shift to higher current levels in response to increasing laser operation times. A first one of the mode hops occurs at a first current level and a second one of the mode hops occurs at a second current level that is higher than the first current level. The system also includes a phase shifter that interacts with the laser cavity so as to shift the mode hops to lower current levels than occur in the absence of the phase shifter.

Abstract: An optical link transmits light between a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a laser cavity that outputs a laser light signal. The laser cavity is configured such that the mode of the laser light signal hops during operation of the optical link. The transmitter outputs an output light signal that includes light from the laser light signal. The output light signal travels a data travel distance before being received at the receiver. The data travel distance is greater than 0 m and less than 1 km and the optical link has a Bit Error Rate less than 10?12. In some instances, the laser cavity is an external cavity laser.