System and method for passively aligning and coupling optical devices
US6760520B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/423
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An external mode size transformer includes a waveguide having an input section, an output section, and a tapered section disposed between the input and output sections. The cross sections between the input and output sections of the waveguide can vary smoothly throughout the length of the waveguide, similar to a waveguide shaped like a boat hull. By positioning the external mode size transformer between optical devices, coupling between optical devices is substantially improved compared to that of direct coupling. For example, by positioning the external mode size transformer between a laser and an optical fiber, laser to fiber coupling is significantly improved compared to that of direct coupling between these optical devices. The present invention can include a manufacturing method that employs multiple masks with predetermined shapes to fabricate the sections of the waveguide within a planar substrate via an exemplary ion exchange process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.