Luceda Webinar | A data-driven workflow to analyze thermal crosstalk in PIC switch networks

Luceda Webinar | A data-driven workflow to analyze thermal crosstalk in PIC switch networks

by Nirav Annavarapu, PhD

Applied Sciences & Engineering Engineering & Technology TTOther technologies and applied sciencesTTBApplied optics
🎙 Nirav Annavarapu, PhD 👥 676 📅 February 2, 2026 ⏱ 37 min 👁 182 📄 webinar 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

thermal crosstalkphotonic integrated circuitsswitch networksvariability analysisLuceda IPKISS

Summary

This webinar, presented by Nirav Annavarapu from Luceda Photonics, demonstrates a data-driven workflow to analyze thermal crosstalk in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) switch networks. The presentation begins with an introduction to Luceda’s design platform, IPKISS, which enables parametric design and simulation of photonic circuits. The speaker then explains the challenges of thermal crosstalk in switch networks, where heat from one heater can affect adjacent components, leading to performance degradation. The core of the webinar introduces Circuit Analyzer, a tool for variability analysis that can incorporate thermal effects. The workflow involves defining component variations in a YAML file and using either analytical or data-driven models to modify the S-matrices. For thermal analysis, the speaker uses an analytical model for waveguides and a data-driven approach for directional couplers, with data from Lumerical FDTD simulations. The method is applied to a 2x2 switch, showing that self-heating increases crosstalk from -70 dB to -4 dB, but can be mitigated by optimizing voltage. The analysis is then extended to a 4x4 Benes switch network, where a design sweep over MZI height and vertical spacing reveals that increasing spacing beyond 20-30 microns saturates crosstalk, and port flips can occur at short spacings. The webinar concludes with a Q&A session.

203 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar provides valuable insights into a practical workflow for analyzing thermal crosstalk in photonic switch networks. The argumentation is solid, as the speaker demonstrates each step with concrete examples and simulation results. The use of both analytical and data-driven approaches is well-justified, and the integration of layout, simulation, and variability analysis in a unified platform is a clear advantage. The presentation effectively highlights the importance of considering thermal effects in PIC design and offers a systematic method to evaluate design trade-offs. The speaker’s explanations are clear, and the methodology is reproducible, making it a useful resource for engineers in the field.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is high, as the methodology is based on established photonics principles and uses industry-standard simulation tools. The sources are primarily internal to Luceda, but the webinar references Lumerical FDTD for component simulations, which is a reputable tool. The title accurately reflects the content, and the presentation is well-structured with clear objectives. The webinar is promotional in nature, but the technical content is substantive and not overly biased. The speaker acknowledges the limitations of the thermal profile used, which adds to the credibility. Overall, the sources are appropriate, and the title-content alignment is excellent.

213 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: a data-driven workflow for analyzing thermal crosstalk in photonic switch networks.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The webinar presents a clear methodology for analyzing thermal crosstalk in photonic integrated circuits, using a combination of analytical and data-driven approaches. The speaker demonstrates a practical workflow with real simulation results, and the content is consistent with established photonics principles. However, the thermal profile used is acknowledged as non-physical, and the presentation is promotional in nature, which slightly reduces the score.

Chapters

Cited Sources

  • Luceda Photonics website — Mentioned as the company's platform and tools.
  • Lumerical FDTD — Used for extracting S-parameters of components at different temperatures.

Concurring Sources

  • Luceda Photonics IPKISS documentation — Official documentation for the design platform used in the webinar.

Contribution & Novelties

The webinar presents a novel workflow that integrates parametric design, variability analysis, and thermal crosstalk evaluation in a unified platform. The key innovation is the use of a data-driven approach to model component behavior under temperature variations, combined with an analytical model for waveguides. This allows for efficient design space exploration and optimization of switch networks. The method enables designers to identify critical design parameters and make informed decisions to mitigate thermal crosstalk.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Photonic integrated circuit — Provides background on PICs and their applications.
  • Thermo-optic effect — Explains the physical phenomenon behind thermal crosstalk.
  • Monte Carlo method — Related to variability analysis techniques used in the workflow.

112 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, and reliability, with a slightly lower technical level, indicating that the content is accessible yet detailed. The overall balance suggests a well-rounded presentation suitable for engineers seeking practical guidance.

Reliability 8/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.