Reconfigurable second-order optical all-pass filter

The optical all-pass filter (APF), which exhibits a constant amplitude response and a variable phase response, is a key to manipulating the optical phase without inducing signal amplitude distortion. High-order APFs are significantly demanded because they can afford large time delays and phase shifts. However, to date, only first-order APFs based on lossy waveguides have been reported. Although high-order APFs can be simply obtained by cascading multiple first-order APFs, the complexity and size are increased. To solve this problem, we propose and demonstrate a second-order APF using Mach-Zehnder interferometer-assisted microring resonators. The device is fabricated based on a silicon-on-insulator platform. Based on the second-order APF, an adjustable time delay between 553 and 948 ps is obtained, and the corresponding amplitude variation is less than 1.7 dB. Meanwhile, a microwave photonic phase shifter is also obtained based on the APF. The microwave phase shift can be adjusted from 0 to 3.27 pi, with an RF power variation within 2.4 dB. Additionally, the second-order APF can be reconfigured to a first-order APF, which significantly enhances its flexibility. The reconfigured first-order APF can realize an adjustable time delay between 257 and 429 ps, and the amplitude variation is less than 0.9 dB. The proposed high-order APF provides a novel approach to manipulating optical signals.