PIC Bootcamp ADVANCED: PIC design using Lumerical and Synopsys Optocompiler

This advanced course provides practical training in the design and simulation of photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) using Ansys Lumerical and Synopsys OptoCompiler. Delegates will learn the underlying theory of key photonic components and circuits, then apply it through guided design and simulation exercises using industry-standard tools and the CORNERSTONE process design kit (PDK).

This course was developed with funding from the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre programme (EP/Z531066/1) and is offered at a heavily discounted rate exclusively to eligible delegates from UK academia and other EPSRC-eligible organisations, and qualifying UK start-ups. Please contact cornerstone@soton.ac.uk with any eligibility queries.

What will you gain?

• An understanding of where PICs can be deployed, their advantages and limitations.
• A high-level comprehension of PIC components and how they can form larger circuits.
• Industrial level skills in PIC design through hands-on guided lesson plans

Pre-requisites:
Delegates should have background experience in PICs and their applications. Some previous experience of using design and simulation software would be beneficial.

Further details:
This course will cover the following topics:

• An introduction to the field of photonics and a selection of devices typically found in a PDK
• Good-practice design flow for photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits
• The theory of optical waveguiding and cross-sectional (mode) design
• The Lumerical CAD environment and defining device structures
• Performing modal analysis with Lumerical MODE, FDE and FEEM
• Exploring and optimising a parameter space with the built in Optimizer
• Performing propagation analysis with EME (Eigenmode Expansion, FDTD (Finite Difference Time Domain) and varFDTD
• Incorporating additional physical effects using the Multi-Physics Utility
• Example device theory and implementation: directional coupler, MZI, MMI, ring resonator and carrier effect phase shifter
• Custom device model creation in the Custom Model Library Compiler (CML)
• An introduction to the OptoCompiler environment and cell libraries
• Circuit schematic design with optical and electronic components
• An introduction to electro-optic circuit design and simulation theory
• Functional vs physical circuit simulation, in an OptSim testbench in PrimeWave
• Performing parametric sweeps, Monte-Carlo simulations, and Corner analysis
• Mask layout design with manual place-and-connect, or SDL
• Circuit verification with DRC and LVS
• Example circuit theory and implementation: PAM-4 transceiver, QPSK, 16-QAM

Background theory and design concepts are presented in lectures, prior to hands-on practical exercises with the Synopsys tools and the CORNERSTONE process design kit (PDK).

Course Description

Course schedule:

• Day 1
  • Introduction to photonics and design flows
  • Principles of photonic waveguides and optical mode design
  • Exercises on cross-sectional design and simulation in Lumerical
• Day 2
  • Electromagnetic propagation simulation theory and exercises
  • Physical effects theory and exercises in the DEVICE Multi-Physics Utility
  • Theory and exercises on creating a custom cell with the Compact Model Library Compiler
• Day 3
  • The OptoCompiler environment, Schematic Editor and design exercises
  • PrimeWave circuit simulation, and CORNERSTONE PIC design exercises
• Day 4
  • Mask layout design theory and exercises
  • Circuit verification DRC and LVS theory with exercises