Antireflective integrated optical waveguide - Lossless excitation of thin optical waveguides by oblique incidence of semi-guided waves
Ref.-No. 5349
Keywords: Integrated optics, photonics, planar dielectrical waveguides, radiation losses, backscattering losses
In transitions between dielectric optical waveguides of different thickness, it comes through modal mismatch usually to radiation losses and optical backscatter. Taper structures, which can produce a gradual, quasiadiabatic transition between the waveguides with different thicknesses, can help here. However, tapering structures of this kind are generally complicated to design and manufacture. In addition, these structures are usually relatively large in relation to typical dimensions of integrated-photonic components. The University of Paderborn has set itself the task and developed a possibility for an efficient, low-loss transition between two optical layer waveguides of different thicknesses.
Competitive Advantages
- Simple design
- Cost-effective production
- Compact dimensions
Commercial Opportunities
The novel solution is based on the finding that an efficiency gain can be achieved with an intermediate stage at the transition of the two optical waveguides. This intermediate stage does not run perpendicular to the propagation direction of the light, but obliquely. By individually adjusting the angle, step width and height, it is possible to minimize the transmission losses, or (almost) completely avoid them.
Current Status
The invention was filed for patent by the University of Paderborn. On behalf of the University, PROvendis offers licenses to interested companies for patent applications and cooperation opportunities with the inventors. If you are interested, we would be pleased to inform you about possible cooperation and the current status of the process.
Relevant Puclications
M. Hammer, L. Ebers, J. Förstner, "Oblique quasi-lossless excitation of a thin silicon slab waveguide", XXVI International Workshop on Optical Wave & Waveguide Theory and Numerical Modeling, Bad Sassendorf, Germany (2018).
https://www.computational-photonics.eu/Papers/Pres/arcpos.pdf
M. Hammer, "Oblique incidence of semi-guided waves on rectangular slab waveguide discontinuities: A vectorial QUEP solver", Optics Communications 338, 447-456 (2015).
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An invention of Uni Paderborn.
