Coupling between Si-waveguides and plasmonic antennas for optical networks on chip

On-chip wireless optical communications among distant cores in chip multiprocessors can lead to a completely new approach to the limits of current on-chip communication. In fact, using wireless connections mitigates the problems related to the design and the fabrication of hugely complex switching fabrics, where long paths suffer of crosstalk and loss issues. We investigate the possibility of integrating plasmonic nanoantennas and silicon waveguides to allow the compatibility with optical networks and devices. In particular, we report the numerical analysis of a plasmonic Vivaldi antenna coupled to a silicon waveguide. The design criteria and the radiation characteristics are described.