Abstract: The present disclosure provides optical waveguide coupling devices and associated methods. In one example, an optical waveguide coupling device can comprise a dielectric grating coupler, a first optical waveguide attached to a first surface of the dielectric grating coupler, and a second optical waveguide attached to a second surface of the dielectric grating coupler. The second optical waveguide can be oriented opposed to the first optical waveguide allowing for communication therebetween via the sub-wavelength grating. Additionally, the dielectric grating coupler can comprise a first dielectric material; a sub-wavelength grating attached to the first dielectric material, the sub-wavelength grating having a higher refractive index than the first dielectric material; and a second dielectric material optically coupled to the sub-wavelength grating.

Abstract: Planar reflective devices that operate as reflective blazed diffraction gratings are disclosed. In one aspect, a reflective device includes a substrate with a planar surface, and a planar, high-contrast, sub-wavelength grating disposed on the surface. The grating is divided into a number of regions that each reflect incident light of a particular wavelength and with a particular angle of incidence into a single diffraction order and associated diffraction angle.

Abstract: A compact sensor system comprising: an analysis cell configured for photon-matter interaction, where photons are received from a light source; and an integrated-optical spectral analyzer configured for identifying a set of frequencies, the integrated-optical spectral analyzer comprising: a waveguide coupled with the analysis cell, the waveguide configured for propagating a set of frequencies through the waveguide; one or more ring resonators coupled with the waveguide, the one or more ring resonators comprising a predetermined bandwidth and configured for capturing the set of frequencies corresponding to frequencies within the predetermined bandwidth; and one or more frequency detectors coupled with the one or more tunable ring resonators, the one or more frequency detectors configured for generating electrical signals that identify each of the set of frequencies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to multiplexer/demultiplexer systems. In one aspect, a multiplexer/demultiplexer system includes an input/output waveguide, two or more output/input waveguides, and a planar, non-periodic, sub-wavelength grating. The grating is configured so that when the system is operated as a multiplexer, each wavelength of light output from one of the two or more output/input waveguides is reflected by the grating toward the input/output waveguide. When the system is operated as a demultiplexer, each wavelength of light output from the input/output waveguide is reflected toward one of the two or more output/input waveguides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides optical waveguide coupling devices and associated methods. In one example, an optical waveguide coupling device can comprise a dielectric grating coupler, a first optical waveguide attached to a first surface of the dielectric grating coupler, and a second optical waveguide attached to a second surface of the dielectric grating coupler. The second optical waveguide can be oriented opposed to the first optical waveguide allowing for communication therebetween via the sub-wavelength grating. Additionally, the dielectric grating coupler can comprise a first dielectric material; a sub-wavelength grating attached to the first dielectric material, the sub-wavelength grating having a higher refractive index than the first dielectric material; and a second dielectric material optically coupled to the sub-wavelength grating.

Abstract: A compact sensor system comprising: an analysis cell configured for photon-matter interaction, where photons are received from a light source; and an integrated-optical spectral analyzer configured for identifying a set of frequencies, the integrated-optical spectral analyzer comprising: a waveguide coupled with the analysis cell, the waveguide configured for propagating a set of frequencies through the waveguide; one or more ring resonators coupled with the waveguide, the one or more ring resonators comprising a predetermined bandwidth and configured for capturing the set of frequencies corresponding to frequencies within the predetermined bandwidth; and one or more frequency detectors coupled with the one or more tunable ring resonators, the one or more frequency detectors configured for generating electrical signals that identify each of the set of frequencies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to multiplexer/demultiplexer systems. In one aspect, a multiplexer/demultiplexer system includes an input/output waveguide, two or more output/input waveguides, and a planar, non-periodic, sub-wavelength grating. The grating is configured so that when the system is operated as a multiplexer, each wavelength of light output from one of the two or more output/input waveguides is reflected by the grating toward the input/output waveguide. When the system is operated as a demultiplexer, each wavelength of light output from the input/output waveguide is reflected toward one of the two or more output/input waveguides.

Abstract: A light emitting diode device is described which includes at least one planar non-periodic high-index-contrast grating. The light emitting diode device includes a cavity formed between a reflective optical element and a transmissive optical element. One or both of the optical elements can be a planar non-periodic high-index-contrast grating. The transmissive optical element can be a collimating lens used to collimate incident beams of light while the reflective optical element can be a parabolic reflector used to reflect incident beams of light along a direction opposite to an incidence direction. A light emitter can be disposed within the cavity and can emit beams of light.

Abstract: An energy collection system is provided. The system can include an energy collection device and an energy concentration device disposed proximate at least a portion of the energy collection device. The energy concentration device includes a non-periodic, sub-wavelength, dielectric grating.

Abstract: This invention provides various products and processes such as a process of making a theaflavins enriched extract of tea having a low content of high molecular weight thearubigins which comprises extracting theaflavins from tea using ethanol to produce an extract having a high theaflavins content and a low content of high molecular weight thearubigins.