Implementations of optical vias in high-density photonic crystal optical networks

We propose novel designs of optical vias to be used in high-density photonic integrated circuits (HDPICs), where photonic crystal (PhC) optical networks are used for spatial optical signal distribution and routing through multiple planes and in different directions. These optically conducting networks with their ability to guide light are an optical analogy to electrical circuits, in particular printed circuits boards (PCBs), which transport electrons through electrical networks. Different techniques for in- and out-of-plane broadband as well as narrow-band coupling between various PhC devices and layers are discussed. Numerical analyses were performed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with appropriate boundary conditions.