Abstract: A tapered waveguide optical mode transformer (20) includes a tapered core formed on a planar substrate structure (16). To vertically taper the core (21), steps (22) are etched into the top surface of the core. The steps have depths and lengths along the optical axis of tapered waveguide that are selected to transform the optical mode characteristics of a desired optical fiber to the optical mode characteristics of a desired planar waveguide. The core can also be tapered horizontally to form a 2-D tapered waveguide. The tapered waveguide can be integrally included in planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) to reduce light coupling losses between optical fibers and the PLC waveguides.

Abstract: A connector (100) for a plurality of optic fibers (106-107) includes a polymer layer deposited over the ends of the fibers at the face of the connector (100) to reduce insertion loss. The polymer layer (110) may be a single layer which encompasses all of the ends of the plurality of fibers (106-107), or separate layers deposited at each of the ends of the plurality of fibers. These layers may be configured to be generally square, rectangular, circular or elliptical. Additional layers of the polymer may be deposited on the face between alignment hole and the housing.