Integrated optical assembly apparatus and integrated fabrication method for coupling optical energy
US9746608B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/12107
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A novel optical assembly apparatus for coupling optical energy and a related method for creating the novel optical assembly apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the novel optical assembly apparatus includes a high-index contrast waveguide constructed on a semiconductor die or another base substrate with an aligned optical coupling section, a grating coupler etched onto a surface, a micro mirror with an acute angle relative to the surface, and a waveguide taper that narrows an optical beam width. A light ray entered into the optical coupling section is redirected by the micro mirror to form a perpendicular ray entry angle with the grating coupler. The grating coupler then efficiently couples the light ray with the waveguide taper, which in turn narrows the optical beam width. The light ray may originate from a semiconductor die or from an optical fiber, which is purposefully aligned with the high-index contrast waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.