Dynamic tuning of transmission wavelength of MEMS-based ge waveguides on a Si beam

Three-dimensional structures of microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based Ge waveguide on a Si beam were fabricated for dynamic tuning of the fundamental absorption edge of Ge by external stressing. The application of various amounts of external forces up to 1 GPa onto the Si beam shows clear red-shifts in the absorption edge of Ge waveguides on the Si beam by ~40 nm. This shift was reproduced by the deformation potential theory, considering that mode of propagation in the Ge waveguide. The wavelength tuning range obtained makes it possible to cover the whole C-band of optical communication, indicating it to be a promising approach to electro-absorption Ge modulators to get them to work with a broader wavelength range than previously reported.