Double-Stage Taper for Coupling Between SOI Waveguides and Single-Mode Fiber

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 26; no. 24; pp. 3860 - 3865
• Main Authors: Barkai, A., Ansheng Liu, Daewoong Kim, Cohen, R., Elek, N., Hsu-Hao Chang, Malik, B.H., Gabay, R., Jones, R., Paniccia, M., Izhaky, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 15.12.2008; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Circuit properties; Converters; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Joining; Mode converter; Noise levels; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical coupling; Optical data processing; Optical devices; Optical fiber polarization; Optical losses; Optical refraction; Optical scattering; Optical variables control; Optical waveguides; Photonics; Silicon; silicon photonics; SMF coupling; Waveguides; Wavelengths; Integrated optics; SMF coupling; Single mode fiber; Waveguide; Silicon on insulator technology; Optical measurement; Optical testing; Frequency converter; Mode converter; silicon photonics; Taper; Mode conversion; Planar technology
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2008.928199

A low-loss polarization-independent and wavelength-insensitive mode converter is demonstrated for coupling between standard single-mode fiber (SMF) and 1.5-¿m-thick silicon waveguides. This mode converter consists of a double-stage taper fabricated using planar processing. Optical testing results show facet loss of approximately -1.5 dB/facet, for TE and TM polarizations across a wide wavelength range.