Enhanced performance in plasmonic integrated phase-change memories

Abstract

We here propose feasible strategies to improve the performance of integrated phase-change photonic memories by the use of plasmonic enhancement. Several solutions are investigated, focusing in particular on optimising the optical readout contrast (transmission modulation) that can be achieved between crystalline and amorphous states. Results show that by embedding the plasmonic nanoantenna within the body of the waveguide, or by using multiple coupled nanoantennas in series, significant improvements in optical readout contrast can be achieved, while maintaining relatively small insertion losses.