Abstract: Various embodiments provide alignment devices and methods of manufacturing and methods of using alignment devices. In an example embodiment, an alignment device includes a first substrate comprising inputs at respective input positions, outputs at respective output positions, and waveguides configured to provide optical paths from respective inputs to respective outputs. The respective input positions are fabricated in accordance with an input position array determined based on measured positions of optical fiber cores of optical fibers secured to a coupling element array. The coupling element array comprises a plurality of coupling elements having a respective one of the optical fibers secured therein. Each optical fiber is associated with a respective input and the input position array indicates the position of each respective input. The respective output positions are configured to provide respective optical signals to the respective target locations of the receiving device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a waveguide with reduced optical power loss. The waveguide comprises a waveguide core having a core index of refraction; and a cladding disposed about at least a portion of a perimeter of the waveguide core. The cladding includes a plurality of layers that define a periodic index of refraction. The plurality of layers includes a core-adjacent layer having a core-adjacent layer index of refraction. The core index of refraction is greater than the core-adjacent layer index of refraction.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide alignment devices and methods of manufacturing and methods of using alignment devices. In an example embodiment, an alignment device includes a first substrate comprising inputs at respective input positions, outputs at respective output positions, and waveguides configured to provide optical paths from respective inputs to respective outputs. The respective input positions are fabricated in accordance with an input position array determined based on measured positions of optical fiber cores of optical fibers secured to a coupling element array. The coupling element array comprises a plurality of coupling elements having a respective one of the optical fibers secured therein. Each optical fiber is associated with a respective input and the input position array indicates the position of each respective input. The respective output positions are configured to provide respective optical signals to the respective target locations of the receiving device.