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Compact dipole nanoantenna coupler to plasmonic slot waveguide
Andrei Andryieuski1, Radu Malureanu, Giulio Biagi
1DTU Fotonik, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. andra@fotonik.dtu.dk
Optics Letters
|March 27, 2012
Summary
We developed a nanoantenna coupler for efficient light coupling into plasmonic slot waveguides. This technology enhances optical integrated circuits by improving fiber-to-waveguide interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Integrated Optics
- Plasmonics
Background:
- Optical nanoantennas enable radiation coupling to waveguides, similar to microwave systems.
- Plasmonic slot waveguides offer potential for miniaturized optical circuits.
- Efficient coupling from optical fibers to these waveguides is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically design and evaluate a coupler for plasmonic slot waveguides.
- To achieve efficient light coupling from optical fibers at telecom wavelengths.
- To provide a compact interface for integrated optical circuits.
Main Methods:
- Design and simulation of optical nanoantenna structures.
- Analysis of coupling efficiency using realistic excitation from a lensed optical fiber.
- Optimization of antenna geometry with side and bottom reflectors.
Main Results:
- A dipole nanoantenna coupler achieved a coupling efficiency of 26%.
- This efficiency is 185 times greater than that of a bare waveguide.
- The designed coupler is compact and suitable for integrated optics.
Conclusions:
- Optical nanoantennas are effective for coupling radiation to plasmonic slot waveguides.
- The developed nanoantenna coupler offers a significant improvement in fiber-to-waveguide coupling.
- This technology paves the way for advanced optical integrated circuits.
