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Compact efficient broadband grating coupler for silicon-on-insulator waveguides.
Dirk Taillaert1, Peter Bienstman, Roel Baets
1Department of Information Technology, Ghent University, Interuniversity Microelectronics Center, St.-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Gent, Belgium. dirk.taillaert@intec.ugent.be
Optics Letters
|December 21, 2004
Summary
We developed a compact grating coupler for efficient broadband light coupling between silicon waveguides and optical fibers. This device achieves low coupling loss over a wide wavelength range, crucial for integrated photonics.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Nanophotonics
- Integrated Photonics
Background:
- Efficient light coupling between silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides and optical fibers is essential for photonic integrated circuits.
- Existing coupling schemes often suffer from narrow bandwidth, high loss, or large footprints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and numerically optimize a high-efficiency broadband grating coupler for SOI waveguides.
- To achieve low coupling loss for TE polarization over a broad wavelength range.
Main Methods:
- Numerical optimization of grating groove size.
- Design of a compact grating coupler (13 µm x 12 µm).
- Inclusion of a two-pair bottom reflector for enhanced performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved coupling loss below 1 dB for TE polarization.
- Demonstrated broadband operation over a 35-nm wavelength range.
- Calculated tolerances to fabrication errors for practical implementation.
Conclusions:
- The designed grating coupler offers a promising solution for efficient fiber-to-chip coupling in SOI photonic devices.
- The compact size and broadband performance make it suitable for various integrated photonic applications.
- The analysis of fabrication tolerances provides valuable insights for manufacturing.