Product category:
Optical Filters, Lenses, Gratings etc
News Release from: Molex UK
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 24 November 2005
Novel technique improves optical
coupling
Molex and KiloLambda Technologies have developed an improved method of coupling light between optical fibres and silicon waveguides.
Molex, in a joint effort with KiloLambda Technologies, has developed an improved method of coupling light between optical fibres and silicon waveguides This new method enables engineers to simplify coupling mechanics and improve coupling efficiency for optical component applications where efficient coupling of light is required between optical fibre and planar waveguide-based optical devices
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 10 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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These applications include arrayed waveguides (AWG), splitters, couplers, waveguide filters, silicon lasers and modulators.
Optical researchers have long faced difficulties in coupling light into and out of nonsilica based waveguide devices using optical fibre.
This was mainly due to the large mismatch between the common telecommunications grade optical fibre core dimension and that of high-index-contrast waveguides manufactured from silicon, indium phosphide, gallium arsenide or polymers.
This challenge prompted Molex and KiloLambda to develop a method to effectively couple light in this situation.
The project engineers accomplished this by incorporating a waveguide section that is tapered vertically, as well as laterally (2D taper), between the fibre and the waveguide.
The engineers then simulated, designed and fabricated a 2D tapered section in a silicon waveguide, which improved the coupling efficiency between an optical fibre and the silicon waveguide by a factor of 4.
Molex and KiloLambda are currently seeking parties interested in licensing and further development of this technology.
This project has been partially sponsored by the Bi-national Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) foundation established between the governments of the USA and Israel.
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