Tapered polymer single-mode waveguides for mode transformation

Fan, R.S.; Hooker, R. Brian

doi:10.1109/50.749387

Cited by 45 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…They report coupling loss of 1 dB/connection in a device composed of polyimide passive polymer materials. Other techniques have also been developed for mode transformation in passive waveguides [6]. In this paper we present work directed toward reducing fiberto-waveguide coupling loss in active EO polymer modulators.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

<title>Fabrication of polymer waveguide tapers to minimize insertion loss</title>

Yacoubian

Lin

Bechtel

2001

Multifrequency Electronic/Photonic Devices and Systems for Dual-Use Applications

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Polymer based electro-optic (EO) modulators and other integrated optic devices have the potential to provide low cost and lightweight alternative for high-speed digital as well as analog RF links. To be truly competitive with existing technologies such as LiNbO 3 , EO polymer modulators must also meet the criteria of low loss. There are two major causes of loss in EO modulators: waveguide loss (including material loss, scattering, etc.), and fiber-to-waveguide coupling (butting) loss. Various techniques can be utilized to minimize these coupling losses, however, to maintain low cost of component, we resort to the simplest possible approach which is easy to manufacture. Pigtails using standard single mode fiber produce coupling loss on the order of 3 to 5 dB/connection. In order to improve mode size matching yet maintain low drive voltage we incorporate waveguide and fibers tapers. Waveguide tapers resulted to butting losses as low as 1.5 dB/connection, whereas fiber tapers resulted to 2.5 dB/connection butting losses. Combining both techniques together, it was possible to produce 1.3 dB/connection butting loss, however, tapered waveguide devices were less sensitive to alignment tolerance than tapered fiber devices, and therefore less sensitive to environmental conditions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

<title>Fabrication of polymer waveguide tapers to minimize insertion loss</title>

Yacoubian

Lin

Bechtel

2001

Multifrequency Electronic/Photonic Devices and Systems for Dual-Use Applications

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“…Finally, nearly all studies of 3D waveguides to date have performed limited characterization because the deeply buried, gradient-index guide is not compatible with profilometry, prism coupling or other measurement methods designed for planar devices. This lack of characterization methods is particularly problematic for studies of nonuniform guides such as modal tapers [7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mode profile imaging and loss measurement for uniform and tapered single-mode 3D waveguides in diffusive photopolymer

Ye¹,

Kamysiak²,

Sullivan³

et al. 2012

Opt. Express

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We demonstrate single-mode uniform and parabolically tapered three-dimensional waveguides fabricated via direct-write lithography in diffusion-based photopolymers. Modulation of the writing power is shown to compensate Beer-Lambert absorption in the single-photon initiator and to provide precise control of modal tapers. A laminated sample preparation is introduced to enable full 3D characterization of these modal tapers without the need for sample polishing which is difficult for this class of polymer. The accuracy and repeatability of this modal characterization is shown to allow precise measurement of propagation loss from single samples. These testing procedures are used to demonstrate single-mode waveguides with 0.147 dB/cm excess propagation loss and symmetrical tapers up to 1:2.5 using 1.5 microwatts of continuous write power.

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“…Integrated optical circuits frequently require various forms of mode transformation, such as coupling from lasers to fibers, single mode fibers to multimode waveguides, and between single mode fibers with different mode sizes [1]. Tapered waveguides are required to adiabatically change from one mode size to another in order to reduce coupling losses [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%