Design, fabrication, and characterisation of photonic integrated circuits on nitride compound semiconductors

Davies-Armstrong, Davey 2026. Design, fabrication, and characterisation of photonic integrated circuits on nitride compound semiconductors. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Integrated photonics has emerged as a transformative platform for next-generation information processing, communication, and sensing technologies. As conventional electronic integration approaches fundamental limits in bandwidth, power dissipation, and interconnect density, photonic systems o er a compelling alternative. By harnessing light instead of electrical charge, photonic integrated circuits enable ultrahigh data rates, low propagation losses, reduced thermal constraints, and enhanced immunity to electromagnetic interference. Moreover, the ability to co-integrate multiple optical functionalities and material platforms on a compact chip paves the way for scalable, energy-e cient architectures that overcome key bottlenecks of traditional electronic systems, positioning integrated photonics at the forefront of modern technological innovation. In this thesis, promising photonic material platforms are explored. The use of silicon nitride is investigated as a sensing platform to detect local refractometric changes, based on the presence of liquid analytes. To gain insight into the complete photonic integrated circuit process ow, aluminium nitride on sapphire is studied as a versatile and multifunctional material system. In this context, comprehensive expertise was developed in device simulation, chip and wafer scale material processing, as well as optical and structural characterisation. This approach provides critical understanding of loss mechanisms, fabrication tolerances, and integration challenges, supporting the advancement of robust and scalable photonic integrated circuits in III-nitrides.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1. Integrated photonics 2. Sensing 3. Nonlinear photonics 4. Micro-ring resonator 5. Aluminium nitride 6. Silicon nitride
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 September 2026
Last Modified:	08 Sep 2026 14:40
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189335

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