Abstract: A fiber coupler (135) for coupling a plurality of cores (160) of a multi-core optical fiber (105) to an integrated photonic device comprises a grating array comprising a plurality of polarization splitting gratings (180) arranged in a manner that corresponds to the plurality of cores (160) in the multi-core optical fiber (105). The fiber coupler (135) also comprises first and second mode converters (235, 240) extending from first and second sides of each of the plurality of polarization splitting gratings (180) to receive first and second polarization modes of the optical signal scattered by the polarization splitting grating (180). A plurality of waveguides (145-a, 145-b) extends from ends of each of the mode converters (235, 240) to guide a single polarization mode of one of the optical signals.

Abstract: A multi core optical fiber that includes a plurality of cores disposed in a cladding. The plurality of cores include a first core and a second core. The first core has a first propagation constant ?1, the second core has a second propagation constant ?2, the cladding has a cladding propagation constant ?0, and (I).

Abstract: Waveguide substrate connection systems and methods are provided herein. An example waveguide assembly comprises a first substrate having a first waveguide, a second substrate having a second waveguide, an adhesive, and one or more spacers. A height for the one or more spacers is less than 10 ?m. The adhesive and the one or more spacers provide a composite material configured to assist in securing the first substrate and the second substrate together to align the first waveguide and the second waveguide. When the first substrate and the second substrate are attached together via the adhesive, the one or more spacers are configured to maintain a desired gap spacing therebetween so as to optimize coupling efficiency between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The desired gap spacing corresponds to the height for the one or more spacers.

Abstract: A multi core optical fiber that includes a plurality of cores disposed in a cladding. The plurality of cores include a first core and a second core. The first core has a first propagation constant ?1, the second core has a second propagation constant ?2, the cladding has a cladding propagation constant ?0, and (I).