Enhanced light coupling in sub-wavelength single-mode silicon on insulator waveguides

Abstract

We report on NIR efficient end-coupling in single-mode silicon on insulator waveguides. Efficient coupling has been achieved using Polymer-Tipped Optical Fibers (PTOF) of adaptable radius of curvature (ROC). When compared with commercial micro lenses, systematic studies as a function of PTOF ROC, lead for subwavelength PTOF to a coupling factor enhancement as high as 2.5. This experimental behavior is clearly corroborated by radial FDTD simulations and an absolute coupling efficiency of about 50% is also estimated.

The Optical Fiber Tip: An Inherently Light‐Coupled Microscopic Platform for Micro‐ and Nanotechnologies

“…These find ready application as microlenses for efficient light coupling. Coupling from single‐mode fibers to both small‐core photonic‐crystal fibers and sub‐wavelength silicon on insulator waveguides have both been demonstrated, as shown in Figure . The latter has been improved by a factor of 2.5 compared to commercial fiber tip lenses.…”

“…Coupling to (b) subwavelength silicon‐on‐insulator waveguides is also improved. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2009 Optical Society of America.…”

“…In the most general sense, the scope of application of fiber tip devices includes: Remote optical sensing , where propagating light interrogates a sensing element at the fiber tip and returns along the same fiber for collection and analysis, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and access to remote and hostile environments; Biomedicine , where the small cross‐section of the fiber allows minimally intrusive in situ and in vivo interrogation of organisms, even allowing the manipulation of individual cells; Beam shaping , where lenses and diffracting elements modify optical power distribution, filter wavelengths, and enable versatile and efficient interfacing with integrated optical devices; Opto‐Mechanical Systems , where tip‐mounted diaphragms and cantilevers allow pressure sensors to be deployed in unique environments, and create novel probes for near‐field and atomic‐force microscopy; Nanophotonics , where nano‐structures make efficient use of the limited real‐estate on the fiber tip, and allow the exploration of opportunities in plasmonics and sensing by SERS …”

Demonstration of a 3D Radar‐Like SERS Sensor Micro‐ and Nanofabricated on an Optical Fiber

“…[ 1,2 ] In various fi elds of application such as remote optical sensing, [3][4][5][6] beam shaping, [7][8][9] and optical manipulation, [ 10,11 ] excellent optical fi ber based devices have been designed and realized. Basically, all approaches developed over the past decades, which attempted to integrate different micro and nanoscale materials into or onto optical fi bers to create additional physical, chemical, or biological functionalization, can be attributed to this concept.…”

“…These approaches offer new exciting possibilities for advanced devices based on optical fi bers. [ 1,2 ] In various fi elds of application such as remote optical sensing, [3][4][5][6] beam shaping, [7][8][9] and optical manipulation, [ 10,11 ] excellent optical fi ber based devices have been designed and realized. Each of these fi elds of application is broad and requires in-depth investigations to tap the full potential of such devices.…”