Fabrication‐Tolerant GaAs/SiN Coupling Above the Loss Threshold for Quantum Photonic Applications

ABSTRACT Quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs) are a promising platform for scalable quantum technologies. A major outstanding challenge is the efficient interconnection of diverse quantum photonic components, where optical losses must remain below the ∼10% threshold required for advanced quantum applications. In this paper, the optical coupling between GaAs single‐photon sources and a low‐loss SiN interposer is investigated, where reliable high‐efficiency transitions have not yet been achieved. To address this, a fully numerical framework is introduced for the optimization of waveguide mode couplers that directly incorporates experimentally characterized fabrication variations critically impacting performance, including waveguide misalignment, width deviation, and sidewall roughness. Using this approach, low‐loss GaAs/SiN transitions are designed and experimentally demonstrated with reproducible coupling efficiencies of –0.43 dB ± 0.14 dB. These results establish a viable path toward low‐loss heterogeneous QPICs tailored to advanced quantum applications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Laser & Photonics Review
Published
2026-08-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.71798
Primary Topic
Photonic and Optical Devices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Fabrication‐Tolerant GaAs/SiN Coupling Above the Loss Threshold for Quantum Photonic Applications

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Fabrication‐Tolerant GaAs/SiN Coupling Above the Loss Threshold for Quantum Photonic Applications

Dries Van Thourhout, Janez Krč, Jasper De Witte, Günther Roelkens, Andraž Debevc, Marko Topič, Bart Kuyken, Leonardo Midolo, Miloš Ljubotina, Zhe Liu
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Quantum photonic integrated circuits (QPICs) are a promising platform for scalable quantum technologies. A major outstanding challenge is the efficient interconnection of diverse quantum photonic components, where optical losses must remain below the ∼10% threshold required for advanced quantum applications. In this paper, the optical coupling between GaAs single‐photon sources and a low‐loss SiN interposer is investigated, where reliable high‐efficiency transitions have not yet been achieved. To address this, a fully numerical framework is introduced for the optimization of waveguide mode couplers that directly incorporates experimentally characterized fabrication variations critically impacting performance, including waveguide misalignment, width deviation, and sidewall roughness. Using this approach, low‐loss GaAs/SiN transitions are designed and experimentally demonstrated with reproducible coupling efficiencies of –0.43 dB ± 0.14 dB. These results establish a viable path toward low‐loss heterogeneous QPICs tailored to advanced quantum applications.

Laser & Photonics Review
University of Ljubljana (SI), Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design (DK), Frederiksberg Hospital (DK), Ghent University (BE)
European Commission, Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, QuantERA, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020 European Research Council, H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Photonic and Optical Devices
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