Optical fiber-to-channel waveguide coupler

摘要

A micromanipulator and UV curing adhesive allows a precise end-on coupling of an optical fiber to a film optical waveguide on a substrate. Such a coupling facilitates the optical processing of data on active or passive optoelectronic chips with the inherent advantages of parallel, high speed capability. After coarse alignment by suitably arranging the chips, each fiber is cemented into an etched V-groove in its Si chip with a UV curing adhesive for coarse positioning and mechanical support a few millimeters away from the waveguide chip. A precision fine alignment of each fiber is assured by the micromanipulator which displaces a hypodermic needle-like chuck to align the fiber with the waveguide. The fiber is finally cemented in place by the curing of a small amount of the UV curable adhesive that is coated on its end.