Vertical metallically loaded polarization splitter and polarization-diversified optical receiver

摘要

A polarization diversity receiver comprising a lower optical waveguide and an upper waveguide formed thereover in the area of the receiver. A rib formed in the lower waveguide away from the receiver directs light along an optical axis in the receiver. A metal layer deposited over the upper waveguide preferentially couples light of the TE-mode from the lower to the upper waveguide, where it is detected by a p-i-n photo-diode. A second p-i-n photo-diode is formed on the optical axis a distance away from the first photo-diode. The intervening region acts as a coupling region to couple the remaining TM-mode radiation from the lower to the upper waveguide, where it is detected by the second photo-diode.