Title :
Optical fiber-polymer guide coupling by a tapered graded index glass guide
Author :
Sottini, Stefano ; Grando, Daniela ; Palchetti, Luca ; Giorgetti, Emilia
Author_Institution :
Istituto di Ricerca sulle Onde Elettromagnetiche, CNR, Firenze, Italy
fDate :
6/1/1995 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A new four layer tapered coupler (FLTC) has been studied and tested, able to transfer light efficiently from a monomode fiber to a polymer film guide by means of an auxiliary graded index glass waveguide. A simple theory has been developed to calculate the maximum efficiency of these structures. Experiments have been performed, at λ=1.321 μm, on several FLTC samples, containing K+-Na+ ion-exchanged glass waveguides and spin coated poly-3BCMU films. Insertion losses in the range 3-6.5 dB have been measured, depending on the taper configuration. The agreement between theoretical and experimental data is good, provided that a suitable ripple of the taper profile is assumed. The application of the new coupler to future integrated waveguide systems, including passive glass components and polymer based all optical devices, is assessed
Keywords :
gradient index optics; optical fibre couplers; optical fibre losses; optical glass; optical polymers; optical waveguides; 1.321 micron; 3 to 6.5 dB; K+-Na+ ion-exchanged glass waveguides; efficiency; four layer tapered coupler; insertion losses; integrated waveguide systems; monomode fiber; optical fiber-polymer guide coupling; passive glass components; polymer based all optical devices; polymer film; spin coated poly-3BCMU films; tapered graded index glass guide; Glass; Optical coupling; Optical fiber couplers; Optical fiber testing; Optical fiber theory; Optical fibers; Optical films; Optical polymers; Optical waveguide theory; Optical waveguides;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
