Integrated free-space optical interconnect fabricated in planar optics using chirped microlens arrays

Abstract

We present a compact design for an integrated interconnect based on a hybrid imaging setup combining microchannel and conventional imaging. Within this setup the conventional imaging is performed by an aluminum-coated spherical lens. The aberrations introduced by this spherical mirror to the channels of the interconnect can be compensated by channel-wise adapted microlenses located at the in- and output interfaces. These microlenses are used for collimating or refocusing the beams, respectively. Within this paper we present the design of the microlens array with individually shaped lenses referred to as chirped mircolens array (cMLA) based on numerical optimization and the use of fitting functions. Further on we focus on the fabrication of the chirped microlens arrays by laser lithography and first experimental results of coupling efficiencies of singlemode as well as multimode fibers for the realized prototypes.

Microlenses arrays: Fabrication, materials, and applications

“…The array formed by these tiny lenses arranged on a substrate in a certain order is called a MLA. In addition to converging or diverging the light in the optical system as a traditional lens can do, a microlens can improve or enable specific functionalities such as collimation, illumination (Jin, Liu, Xu, Su, & Zhang, 2020; Nam, Kim, Lee, Lee, & Yang, 2013; Pan, Wang, Lan, Sun, & Chang, 2007; Sun, Jin, & Cen, 2009), imaging (Arai, Kawai, & Okano, 2006; Javidi, Hong, & Matoba, 2006; Xiao, Javidi, Martinez‐Corral, & Stern, 2013), sensing (Koroleva et al, 2011; Yoon, Jitsuno, Nakatsuka, & Nakai, 1996), optical interconnection (Hahn, Brown, Rolander, Sluz, & Venkat, 2010; Shen & Huang, 2009; Wippermann, Radtke, Amberg, & Sinzinger, 2006), and optical coupling (He, Yuan, Ngo, Bu, & Tao, 2004; Shen, Pan, Liu, Chao, & Huang, 2009; Yan et al, 2013). As a key part of optical components, MLA offer exceptional optical performances, such as a large field of view, a large depth of field, and a low phase difference (He et al, 2004; Shen et al, 2009), and the advantages of compactness and high integration.…”

Design and application of flexible insert for microinjection compression molding polymer microlens arrays with tunable height

“…With the development of micro‐optics and micromachining technologies, researches on microlens arrays (MLAs) have attracted increasing attention during two decades. MLAs are widely used in the fields of digital display units , sensors , light source devices , artificial compound eyes , optical fiber interconnects, and optical communications , due to their unique optical properties, small element size and high integration. To satisfy the demand of applications, various researches were carried out to fabricate precise microstructured arrays.…”

Fabrication, characterization, and applications of microlenses

“…Micro-optics is important in this context because it enables the miniaturization of photonic systems and enhances the integration, precision, multifunctionality, and energy saving characteristics of these devices. Microlenses (MLs) and microlens arrays (MLAs) have become indispensable in imaging [2], sensing [3], light source devices [4], and optical interconnects [5].…”