Light coupler with microstructures asymmetrically distributed along longitudinal axis

US10564362B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IMEC VZW · BE

Inventors

• Xavier Rottenberg · Kessel-Lo, BE
• Tom Claes · Evergem, BE
• Dries Vercruysse · Brugge, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 28, 2015
• Grant date: Feb 18, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03H2223/16
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to a light coupler, a photonic integrated circuit, and a method for manufacturing a light coupler. The light coupler is for optically coupling to an integrated waveguide and for out-coupling a light signal propagating in the integrated waveguide into free space. The light coupler includes a plurality of microstructures. The plurality of microstructures is adapted in shape and position to compensate decay of the light signal when propagating in the light coupler. The plurality of microstructures is also adapted in shape and position to provide a power distribution of the light signal when coupled into free space such that the power distribution corresponds to a predetermined target power distribution. Each of the microstructures forms an optical scattering center. The microstructures are positioned on the light coupler in accordance with a non-uniform number density distribution.