On-Chip Optical Signal Enhancement in Micro-Ring Resonators Using a NaYF4:Er3+-Doped Polymer Nanocomposite

This study develops a micro-ring resonator that provides optical amplification based on NaYF4:5%Er3+ nanoparticles doped with SU-8. By utilizing the frequency selection properties of the micro-ring resonator, a filter with amplification capabilities is successfully developed. The device features a quality factor of 5.72 × 104 and a free spectral range of 0.081 nm. Operating at an on-chip power of 108 mW, the micro-ring resonator amplifier exhibits a relative gain of 8.92 dB within a size of 2.3 cm × 1.5 cm. To the best of our knowledge, the amplification of optical signals in micro-ring resonators using erbium-doped polymers has not been reported. This technology highlights the significant potential of using erbium-doped materials to fabricate various integrated devices for on-chip optical amplification.