Abstract: An arrangement of an integrated optical waveguide (1) relative to a V-groove (2) for receiving an optical fibre (5) which is to be optically coupled with an end of the waveguide (1) is described. A waveguide (1) is formed in a crystalline optical substrate (3), and a V-groove (2) formed therein beneath an elongate parallel sided window in the substrate with a centre line (2A) of the V-groove (2) aligned with an end (1A) of the waveguide (1). The parallel sides (2B, 2C) of the window at the end of the V-groove (2) aligned with the waveguide (1) terminate out of alignment with each other in a direction along the length of the V-groove whereby the V-groove undercuts a portion (3A) of the optically conducting layer (3) beneath said end of the waveguide (1). The end of the waveguide (1) therefore overhangs the end of the V-groove (2) to enable the end of an optical fibre (5) to be located in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: A method for holding an end of at least one optic fibre in alignment for optical communication with an end of a respective optic element at a side edge of an optic chip; the method including the steps of: providing a fibre support supporting at least one optic fibre; assembling the fibre support and the optic chip so as to align the end of the at least one optic fibre with the end of the respective optic element at the side edge of the optic chip, wherein the fibre support includes a first portion that is configured to extend beyond the side edge over the optic chip when the end of the at least one optic fibre is aligned with the end of the respective optic element at the side edge; and then bonding said first portion of the fibre support to the optic chip to secure the fibre support to the optic chip.

Abstract: An integrated optical package comprises an integrated optical device within a casing, an optical fiber coupled with the device and following a curved path, the fiber being supported by a substantially rigid conduit at least between an interior wall of the casing and the coupling with the optical device. This relieves stress which would otherwise be exerted by the fiber. It is preferred that the conduit has a C-section thereby to support the fiber therewithin. Alternatively, the conduit can comprise two fitting parts which when fitted together form a closed conduit such as an annular section. The conduit can be molded of a plastics material. The conduit can be snug with the fiber and hence supported thereby.

Abstract: The polarizer is formed on a silicon rib waveguide (4) having an upper face and two side faces, and comprises a section of the silicon rib waveguide (4) with a buffer layer (6) and a light absorbing layer (7) on either the upper face of the rib or at least one side face of the rib. The buffer layer (6) has a refractive index similar to that of the waveguide (4) such that light traveling along the waveguide (4) and incident upon the respective face thereof passes into the buffer layer (6) and then into the light absorbing layer (7) so either the TM (transverse magnetic) or TE (transverse electric) mode of the light traveling along the waveguide is attenuated.

Abstract: A process for making a silicon rib wavegide structure is described comporising the following steps:(i) forming a window in a protective layer on the surface of a silicon wafer to expose a part of said surface;(ii) depositing a buffer layer at least over said exposed surface;(iii) carrying out an etch step to etch the buffer layer and silicon outside a protected rib portion thereby to form a silicon rib with the buffer layer on its upper surface; and(iv) forming a layer of cladding at least on side walls of the silicon rib.