Monolithic Silicon Waveguides in Standard Silicon

A methodology allows fabrication of silicon-photonic devices in standard silicon wafers, eliminating the need for silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. Using this technology, the authors demonstrate low-loss silicon waveguides (2.34 dB/cm), comparable to conventional SOI channel waveguides. The ease and flexibility of this fabrication method simplify integration of electronics and photonics and make it a possible alternative to SOI-based technology for implementation of silicon-photonic devices and systems.