Edge coupler

摘要

A composite optical waveguide is constructed using an array of waveguide cores, in which one core is tapered to a larger dimension, so that all the cores are used as a composite input port, and the one larger core is used as an output port. In addition, transverse couplers can be fabricated in a similar fashion. The waveguide cores are preferably made of SiN. In some cases, a layer of SiN which is provided as an etch stop is used as at least one of the waveguide cores. The waveguide cores can be spaced away from a semiconductor layer so as to minimize loses.

主权项

1. A composite waveguide, comprising:
a first group of waveguide cores on a substrate, said first group of waveguide cores having an optical propagation direction, each of said first group of waveguide cores having at a respective first end thereof a first cross section defined by two dimensions measured along orthogonal coordinates and having at a respective second end thereof a second cross section defined by two dimensions measured along orthogonal coordinates; said first group of waveguide cores having an input port comprising at least one of:
said respective first ends together comprising said optical input port for directed illumination, anda segment of one or more of said first group of waveguide cores comprising said optical input port for evanescent waves; and said first group of waveguide cores having an output port comprising at least one of:
said respective second ends comprising said output port for directed illumination; anda segment of one or more of said first group of waveguide cores comprising said optical output port for evanescent waves.