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Updated: May 16, 2026
09:03
A Silicon-tipped Fiber-optic Sensing Platform with High Resolution and Fast Response
Published on: January 7, 2019
A two-port polarization-insensitive coupler module between single-mode fiber and silicon-wire waveguide.
Kazuo Shiraishi1, Hidehiko Yoda, Chen S Tsai
1Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8585, Japan. kazuos@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp
Optics Express
|November 29, 2012
Summary
A compact fiber-to-silicon waveguide coupler was developed using a novel spot-size converter (SSC). This polarization-insensitive device offers low coupling losses, enabling efficient optical signal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Efficient coupling between optical fibers and silicon wire waveguides is crucial for integrated photonic circuits.
- Existing methods often suffer from polarization dependence or high insertion loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a compact, polarization-insensitive fiber-to-silicon wire-waveguide coupler.
- To minimize coupling losses for improved optical signal transmission.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of a two-port coupler module (5.3 × 3.4 × 0.7 mm³).
- Implementation of a spot-size converter (SSC) using a concatenated horizontal up-taper and vertical down-taper.
- Characterization of coupling losses for E(11)(y) and E(11)(x) modes.
Main Results:
- Achieved polarization-insensitive coupling with losses of 2.8 dB/port for E(11)(y) mode and 2.7 dB/port for E(11)(x) mode.
- The device platform is planar, robust, and compatible with conventional lithography.
Conclusions:
- The developed coupler module demonstrates effective performance for fiber-to-silicon interfacing.
- The fabrication process is straightforward, suggesting potential for scalable manufacturing.
