Design and Comparative Analysis of an Ultra-Fast, Low-Power All-Optical 4 × 2 Encoder Using a Silicon Y-Shaped 2D Photonic Crystal

The optical Encoder plays a crucial role in optical computing and communication applications. This proposed work employs an innovative technique to design and simulate a Silicon Y-shaped 2D Photonic Crystal unique structure for an all-optical 4 × 2 encoder. The proposed structures consist of silicon rods arranged in a square lattice within a background of air. The frequency modes and encoder design were studied using the PWE method, while the proposed design underwent numerical analysis, simulations, and optimizations using the FDTD numerical solution approach. The structure is engineered to ensure maximum power confinement at the output of the silicon PC-based 4 × 2 Encoder. With a low power loss and outstanding contrast ratio, the structure is specifically designed for the 1550 nm wavelength range. This 4 × 2 encoder boasts a compact footprint of 295μm², a minimal delay of 0.17 ps, an impressive contrast ratio of 31.14 dB, a minimum response time of 0.24 ps, a steady state time of 1.03 ps, a bit rate reaching 4.17 Tbps, minimal cross-talk -31.14 dB, an extinction ratio of 31.14 dB, and an insertion loss of -3.18 dB. Considering these attributes, it comes highly recommended for applications in optical signal processing and photonic integrated circuits.