An optical passive 3-dB TMI-coupler with reduced fabrication tolerance sensitivity

Abstract

Abstract-Two-mode-interference (TMI) couplers are shorter than weakly coupled waveguides, and less sensitive to production tolerances. Modifications for further reduction of the sensitivity of the coupler to production tolerances are presented and experimentally demonstrated. 3-dB couplers with dimensions of 40 x 700 pm were realized with 0.5-dB insertion loss.

Optical multi-mode interference devices based on self-imaging: principles and applications

“…Let us first consider the images obtained half-way between the direct and mirrored image positions, i.e., at distances for v even (16) with p an odd integer. Taking into account the property of (15) and the mode field symmetry conditions of (16), (20) [20], and in non-lattice matched 111-V quantum wells [21], 131. Fig.…”

Design and Simulation of Polymeric Waveguide Devices Fabricated by Replication Technologies

“…When the Y-junction is fabricated, part of the gap of the Y-junction will be filled due to the finite resolution of the photolithographic process [19]. In order to test the sensitivity of the Y-junction to these fluctuations in the fabrication process the insertion loss is calculated with a somewhat rounded tip as a parameter.…”

Silicon Oxynitride Optical Waveguide Ring Resonator Utilizing a Two-Mode Interferometer Structure

“…Secondly, the device is with higher fabrication tolerance because the concern to control the critical gap separation in the case of a DC structure can be circumvented. Such as, by using TMI coupler to replace DC, the fabrication tolerance sensitivity reduced by a factor of 2 was reported [18]. At last, TMI coupler is less polarization dependent due to the fact that the relative mode dispersion is less polarization dependent in strongly coupled waveguides [18,19].…”

“…Such as, by using TMI coupler to replace DC, the fabrication tolerance sensitivity reduced by a factor of 2 was reported [18]. At last, TMI coupler is less polarization dependent due to the fact that the relative mode dispersion is less polarization dependent in strongly coupled waveguides [18,19]. Due to the aforementioned virtue, TMI coupler is usually used as a basic component to design and fabricate a lot of integrated optical waveguide devices, such as wavelength multiplexers [20,21], optical switch [22], and polarization splitter [23].…”