Photodetector with split inputs

A method comprising:

• producing, by an optical device, a first optical signal and a second optical signal based on a received optical signal;
• directing the first optical signal through a first portion of an optical absorber in a direction substantially parallel to a line, wherein the optical absorber comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, wherein a first set of metal contacts is positioned on the top surface such that the first set of metal contacts is arranged along the line;
• and
• directing the second optical signal through a second portion of the optical absorber in the direction substantially parallel to the line, wherein the second portion is coupled to the first portion along the line such that the first portion is positioned on a first side of the line and the second portion is positioned on a second side of the line different from the first side, wherein the first optical signal passes through the optical absorber on the first side of the first set of metal contacts, and wherein the second optical signal passes through the optical absorber on the second side of the first set of metal contacts.

An apparatus comprising:

• an optical absorber comprising a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first set of metal contacts arranged along a first side of the optical absorber, a second set of metal contacts arranged along a second side of the optical absorber opposite the first side, and a third set of metal contacts arranged on the top surface along a line;
• an optical device arranged to:
• produce a first optical signal and a second optical signal;
• direct the first optical signal through a first portion of the optical absorber between the first set of metal contacts and the third set of metal contacts on a first side of the first set of metal contacts in a direction substantially parallel to the line;
• and
• direct the second optical signal through a second portion of the optical absorber between the second set of metal contacts and the third set of metal contacts on a second side of the first set of metal contacts different from the first side in the direction substantially parallel to the line.