Mode cycling in microring optical resonators

Electromagnetic resonators are important not only as realizable models of fundamental concepts in classical and quantum physics, based on the existence and properties of eigenmodes, but also in the practical design of lasers, amplifiers, sensors, filters, and delay lines. Coupled-eigenmode systems may be realized via the multiple eigenmodes of a single resonator or by the coupling of a mode across multiple resonators. Mode cycling is demonstrated as a distinct concept of sequential population transfer in coupled multiple-eigenvalue resonators. Based on this principle, a coupled polymeric microring resonator interferometer is fabricated and characterized; the device achieves greater than 30 dB extinction and (loaded) Q approximate to 5.5 X 10(3). (c) 2005 Optical Society of America