Ecm Erik Pennings

Planar monomode optical couplers based on multimode interference effects

The self-imaging property of a homogeneous multimoded planar optical waveguide has been applied in the design of passive planar monomode optical couplers based on multimode interference (MMI). Based on these designs, 3 dB and cross couplers were fabricated in SiO/sub 2//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3//SiO/sub 2/ channel waveguides on Si substrates. Theoretical predictions and experimental results at 1.52- mu m wavelength are presented which demonstrate that MMI couplers offer high performance: on-chip excess loss better than 0.5 dB, high reproducibility, low polarization dependence and small device size. >

Ultracompact, low-loss directional couplers on InP based on self-imaging by multimode interference

We report extremely compact (494‐μm‐long 3 dB splitters, including input/output bends), polarization‐insensitive, zero‐gap directional couplers on InP with a highly multimode interference region that are based on the self‐imaging effect. We measured cross‐state extinctions better than 28 dB and on‐chip insertion losses of 0.5 dB/coupler plus 1 dB/cm guide propagation loss at 1523 nm wavelength.

A normalized approach to the design of low-loss optical waveguide bends

A normalized approach for optimal design of abrupt junctions between straight and curved waveguides operating in the whispering gallery mode regime is presented. The optimization includes the widths of both the straight and the curved waveguides, the lateral offset between them, and the bending radius of the curved waveguide. With this approach, optimum bend design is possible from a simple set of formulas or normalized graphs. Predicted transmission losses for optimally designed junctions are well below 0.1 dB. >

Integrated-optic versus microoptic devices for fiber-optic telecommunication systems: a comparison

We assess the relative merits and prospects of integrated-optics in comparison with microoptic and fiber-based techniques. Firstly, the market for fiber-optic components for telecommunications is analyzed. Secondly, the technological issues which make integrated optics quite different from integrated electronics will be discussed. Thirdly, a specific comparison between the potential of the competing optical technologies will be made for the polarization-diversity hybrid and the optical wavelength (de)multiplexer, two optical devices used in networks that are based on optical frequency division multiplexing (OFDM).

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

Two-mode-interference (TM) 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*700 mu m were realized with 0.5-dB insertion loss. >

Integrated-optics versus micro-optics : a comparison

It is the purpose of this paper to assess the relative merits and prospects of integrated-optic versus micro-optic devices for fiber-optic telecommunication systems. Firstly, this comparison is made from a market perspective. Then, the analogy between electronic and photonic integrated circuits is investigated. Finally, a specific comparison is made for wavelength demultiplexers for dense WDM applications. A comparison similar to this one but also including polarization-diversity hybrids can be found in Ref. 1.

Multi-Mode Interference Optical Devices Based on Self-Imaging Effects

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