| 摘要 |
The specification describes a new and improved optical coupler which comprises (1) a substrate which is adapted to receive and reflect light, having formed therein and adjacent the major (or top) surface of the substrate an optical waveguiding structure comprising three interconnected light confining and propagating sections and (2) a light-reflecting or light-transmitting means. The first section of the waveguiding structure comprises a plurality of spaced-apart optical channel waveguides, each of which extends to a first minor surface of the substrate [which is perpendicular to the major (or top) surface of the substrate]. The second section of the waveguiding structure comprises a plurality of horn-shaped, tapered wave transition sections or regions which extend integrally from the channel waveguides and which are adjacently joined to each other at common points to form a multiple side-by-side horn-like configuration. The third section of the waveguiding structure comprises a wave-mixing section which is integral at one end thereof with the tapered wave transition sections or regions and which extends at the other end thereof to a second minor surface (or transmissive plane) of the substrate. In addition, at the second minor surface or transmissive plane of the substrate there may be provided a means for transmitting or reflecting light which is propagated thereto by the wave-mixing section. The tapered geometry of the wave transition sections enhances the optical coupling efficiency between the plurality of channel waveguides and the wave-mixing section. |
