Connection between an integrated optical waveguide and an optical fibre
US5787214A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4207
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A connection between an integrated optical waveguide and an optical fibre has a layer of silicon in which a rib waveguide is formed separated from a substrate by a layer of silicon dioxide. A V-groove is formed in the substrate for receiving an optical fibre, and the V-groove is arranged to align the optical fibre at a predetermined angle with respect to the waveguide. The rib waveguide and the underlying layer of silicon dioxide are formed to overhang the end of the V-groove so that the end of the waveguide is in close proximity with the end of an optical fibre positioned in the V-groove. A method of forming a connection, in which the V-groove is etched using a material which etches the substrate material as opposed to the layer of silicon dioxide, is also disclosed. Finally, a method of connecting an integrated optical waveguide to an optical fibre using a connection as described above is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.