40-Gb/s DPSK Data Transmission Through a Silicon Microring Switch

We experimentally demonstrate switching of a 40-Gb/s differential-phase-shift-keyed (DPSK) signal through a coupled silicon photonic microring switch. By simultaneously electro-optically biasing both microring cavities, we achieve 14-dB extinction ratio for signals egressing from both output ports of the switch. Packetized transmission of the 40-Gb/s DPSK signal is achieved with power penalties of 0.6 and 2.4 dB for through port and drop port signals, respectively. The effects of a coupled silicon microring are investigated, showing a broad bandwidth and a linear phase response for the drop port are necessary characteristics for routing 40-Gb/s data through the switch for photonic interconnection networks.