Title :
Prism-coupling of light into narrow planar optical waveguides
Author :
Pasmooij, W.A. ; Mandersloot, P.A. ; Smit, M.K.
Author_Institution :
Dr. Neher Lab., Leidschendam, Netherlands
Abstract :
The efficiency and selectivity of the prism-coupler for exciting single modes in narrow planar optical waveguides is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A previously published calculation of the coupling efficiency between a plane input wave with finite cross section and a number of waveguide modes, as a function of both the incidence angle and the skew angle, is extended to include the effects of diffraction, which are shown to play a dominant role for small focal widths of the input beam. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results obtained at 633 nm on an embedded ridge-type waveguide structure. A number of mechanisms reducing coupling selectivity and stability are discussed, and some practical rules are given for obtaining good stability and selectivity.<>
Keywords :
optical couplers; optical modulation; optical prisms; optical waveguides; 633 nm; coupling selectivity; diffraction; planar optical waveguides; prism-coupler; stability; waveguide modes; Optical coupling; Optical films; Optical planar waveguides; Optical refraction; Optical sensors; Optical variables control; Optical waveguide theory; Optical waveguides; Planar waveguides; Shape;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of