Input light coupler using a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions
US6574383B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y20/00
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An input light-coupling device comprising a dielectric layer containing a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions. The pattern of dielectric contrast, which may or may not be periodic, is designed to facilitate coupling to the dielectric layer of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be propagating within a surrounding medium of lower dielectric constant than that of said dielectric layer, input at directions including normal incidence from which light cannot typically couple to the dielectric layer without the presence of the pattern of dielectric contrast. The input light may constitute an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber or in free space. Light that is in-coupled may be directed in as many directions as dictated by the symmetry of the pattern of dielectric contrast. The dielectric layer may contain output waveguides surrounding the input coupling structure. The light coupling structure may be fabricated in a dielectric layer separated from a high-dielectric substrate by a low-dielectric layer to avoid losses of the input signal to the substrate. A mirror comprising either a reflective material or alternating laye…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.