Low index, large mode field diameter optical coupler
US8031991B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/1228
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical coupler is formed of a low index material and exhibits a mode field diameter suitable to provide efficient coupling between a free space optical signal (of large mode field diameter) and a single mode high index waveguide formed on an optical substrate. One embodiment comprises an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) structure in conjunction with an embedded (high index) nanotaper coupling waveguide. Another embodiment utilizes a low index waveguide structure disposed in an overlapped arrangement with a high index nanotaper coupling waveguide. The low index waveguide itself includes a tapered region that overlies the nanotaper coupling waveguide to facilitate the transfer of the optical energy from the low index waveguide into an associated single mode high index waveguide. Methods of forming these devices using CMOS processes are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.