Abstract: A bridge for weakly coupling optical cores in a multicore fiber. An inner cladding surrounds each of the cores. A plurality of bridges laterally connects each of the cores to adjacent cores. The bridges run the length of the fiber. Each bridge enhances the weak evanescent coupling between the cores for frequencies of the light being transmitted by the fiber that are smaller than a cut-off frequency. This permits increased spacing of the cores. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, and is intended to allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A broadband optical via provides a low loss interconnection between waveguides in two vertically adjacent planar waveguiding layers. Two waveguides, one in each planar layer, evanescently interact over an interaction length, and substantially all of the power on one waveguide is transferred to the second waveguide. The relative detuning between waveguides is varied along the interaction region by tapering the width of one or both guides along the direction of propagation. The interaction strength is also varied by varying the physical separation between the two waveguides such that the interaction approaches zero near the two ends of the interaction length. The performance of the broadband optical via is fabrication tolerant, polarization tolerant, wavelength tolerant, and dimensionally tolerant.

Abstract: A sensor includes traps that are adjacent to a waveguide and capable of holding a contaminant for an interaction with an evanescent field surrounding the waveguide. When held in a trap, a particle of the contaminant, which may be an atom, a molecule, a virus, or a microbe, scatters light from the waveguide, and the scattered light can be measured to detect the presence or concentration of the contaminant. Holding of the particles permits sensing of the contaminant in a gas where movement of the particles might otherwise be too fast to permit measurement of the interaction with the evanescent field. The waveguide, a lighting system for the waveguide, a photosensor, and a communications interface can all be fabricated on a semiconductor die to permit fabrication of an autonomous nanosensor capable of suspension in the air or a gas being sensed.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters. The power dissipated in the remaining resonator heaters is set according to a predetermined function having as an input variable the power dissipated in the resonant heater under control of the said feedback loop.

Abstract: A sensor includes an optical resonator, a trap, and a measurement system. The trap is positioned to hold captured contaminant within an evanescent field of the optical resonator. The measurement system can detect the effect of the captured contaminant on the optical resonator. The sensor can includes a photonic crystal that contains defects forming the optical resonator and a waveguide to which the optical resonator is coupled. Yet another embodiment is a sensing method that exposes a trap that is adjacent to an optical resonator to an environment that may contain a contaminant that the trap can capture. Light having a wavelength that interacts with the contaminant can then be coupled into the optical resonator, and the effect of any captured contaminant on the optical resonator can be measured.

Abstract: An optical output coupler having a reflector integrated in an evanescent coupler. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second optical paths. An optical beam is to be directed through the first optical path. The apparatus also includes an evanescent coupler, which evanescently couples the first and second optical paths. The apparatus further includes a reflector, which is included in the evanescent coupler and integrated in the first and second optical paths. The optical beam that is directed through the first optical path is reflected from the reflector as the optical beam is concurrently evanescently coupled from the first to the second optical path.

Abstract: An optical output coupler having a reflector integrated in an evanescent coupler. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second optical paths. An optical beam is to be directed through the first optical path. The apparatus also includes an evanescent coupler, which evanescently couples the first and second optical paths. The apparatus further includes a reflector, which is included in the evanescent coupler and integrated in the first and second optical paths. The optical beam that is directed through the first optical path is reflected from the reflector as the optical beam is concurrently evanescently coupled from the first to the second optical path.

Abstract: An optical fiber arrangement has at least two optical fiber sections, each optical fiber section defining an outside longitudinally extending surface. The outside longitudinally extending surfaces are in optical contact with each other. The invention further provides for an amplifying optical device have an optical fiber arrangement as just described, and a pump source. The amplifying optical device is configured such that the pump source illuminates the amplifying optical fiber. A amplifying arrangement is also disclosed. The amplifying arrangement includes a plurality of amplifying optical devices as just described, and each amplifier also has at least one input fiber and a first multiplexer connected to the input fiber. Each amplifier is configured such that at least one of the amplifying optical fibers is connected to the first multiplexer. The amplifying arrangement also has a second multiplexer connected to each of the first multiplexers.

Abstract: A method for measuring the optical absorbance of a sample medium with a microfluidic chip that includes a substrate defining a microfluidic channel, a microresonator positioned within the microfluidic channel, and at least one waveguide or coupling surface evanescently coupled to the microresonator such that only supported Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) resonance frequencies are transmitted from the waveguide or coupling surface into the microresonator. A sample medium is disposed into the microfluidic channel to substantially envelop the microresonator and a reader is provided to measure at least a portion of the WGM frequencies transmitted out of the microresonator.

Abstract: Apparatuses for depolarizing light are disclosed. A disclosed passive optical depolarizer for depolarizing a polarized light source includes a waveguide and a first microresonator. The waveguide has a first birefringence. The first microresonator has a second birefringence different from the first birefringence and is evanescently coupled to the waveguide. A disclosed optical amplifier includes a substrate layer, a light source formed over the substrate layer, a waveguide formed over the substrate layer, and a first microresonator formed over the substrate layer. The light source is arranged to emit light from an output. The light has a degree of polarization greater than zero. The waveguide has a first birefringence and an input optically coupled to the output of the light source. The first microresonator has a second birefringence different than the first birefringence and is evanescently coupled to the waveguide.

Abstract: There is provided a polarization maintaining optical fiber coupler and a method of manufacturing this polarization maintaining optical fiber coupler in which manufacturing is simplified and excess loss is reduced. A polarization maintaining optical fiber coupler is provided in which, in at least one of the polarization maintaining optical fibers forming the fused and extended portion, the ratio of the [diameter of the core/the diameter of the cladding] or [the distance between the two stress applying portions/the diameter of the cladding] is greater than the ration of the [diameter of the core/the diameter of the cladding] or [the distance between the two stress applying portions/the diameter of the cladding in the portions of the polarization maintaining optical fibers that do not form the fused and extended portion]. In addition, in this polarization maintaining optical fiber coupler, in the fused and extended portion, the stress applying portions are enveloped by the cladding.

Abstract: An optical output coupler having a reflector integrated in an evanescent coupler. In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first and second optical paths. An optical beam is to be directed through the first optical path. The apparatus also includes an evanescent coupler, which evanescently couples the first and second optical paths. The apparatus further includes a reflector, which is included in the evanescent coupler and integrated in the first and second optical paths. The optical beam that is directed through the first optical path is reflected from the reflector as the optical beam is concurrently evanescently coupled from the first to the second optical path.

Abstract: A vertically-coupled whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator optical waveguide, a method of reducing a group velocity of light, and a method of making a waveguide are provided. The vertically-coupled WGM waveguide comprises a cylindrical rod portion having a round cross-section and an outer surface. First and second ring-shaped resonators are formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical rod portion and are spaced from each other along a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical rod. The first and second ring-shaped resonators are capable of being coupled to each other by way an evanescent field formed in an interior of the cylindrical rod portion.

Abstract: A multiple-core planar optical waveguide comprises: a substantially planar waveguide substrate; a lower waveguide core; an upper waveguide core; lower cladding between the substrate and the lower waveguide core; and upper cladding above the upper waveguide core. At least a portion the upper waveguide core is positioned above and substantially parallel to at least a portion of the lower waveguide core. The lower and upper claddings have refractive indices less than refractive indices of the lower and upper waveguide cores. The width of the lower waveguide core is substantially larger than its thickness along at least a portion of its length, and is substantially flat along that portion of its length, thereby yielding a substantially flat surface for forming at least a portion of the upper waveguide core.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip that includes a substrate, a microresonator, and at least one waveguide or coupling surface. The substrate defines a microfluidic channel. The microresonator is positioned within the microfluidic channel. The at least one waveguide or coupling surface receives light having a frequency bandwidth greater than the spacing between the whispering gallery mode resonance frequencies supported by the microresonator. The at least one waveguide or coupling surface is evanescently coupled to the microresonator such that supported whispering gallery mode resonance frequencies are coupled from the at least one waveguide or coupling surface into the microresonator and light at frequencies not resonant with the microresonator are not coupled into the microresonator.

Abstract: A device including an input port configured to receive an input signal is described. The device also includes an output port and a structure, which structure includes a tunneling junction connected with the input port and the output port. The tunneling junction is configured in a way (i) which provides electrons in a particular energy state within the structure, (ii) which produces surface plasmons in response to the input signal, (iii) which causes the structure to act as a waveguide for directing at least a portion of the surface plasmons along a predetermined path toward the output port such that the surface plasmons so directed interact with the electrons in a particular way, and (iv) which produces at the output port an output signal resulting from the particular interaction between the electrons and the surface plasmons.

Abstract: A four-port optical filter is provided including two tapered optical fibers, each having a loop in the area of their tapered portions, which are located relative to one another to form a ring resonator. The optical filter has a low Q with a broadband filter response which is useful as a channel interleaver or de-interleaver for dense wavelength division multiplexing and other applications.

Abstract: A functional multilayer film and a method for manufacturing the same is provided in which the intervals of fine metallic bodies in the thickness direction and the arrangement thereof in the surface direction are regular, and the fine metallic bodies arranged on each layer are aligned in the thickness direction. A functional multilayer film is obtained by fixing a plurality of fine metallic bodies to a matrix made of a dielectric substance. The matrix is obtained by laminating metal-arranged thin films, which each contain a dielectric thin film having a predetermined thickness and the fine metallic bodies arranged on the dielectric thin film. A plurality of recesses is regularly formed on the surface of the dielectric thin film, and the fine metallic bodies are arranged in the lower parts of the recesses.

Abstract: Novel nanowell microarrays are disclosed in optical contact with polymer waveguides wherein evanescent field associated with lightwaves propagated in the waveguide excite target substances in the nanowells either by a common waveguide or by individual waveguides. Fluid samples are conveyed to the nanowells by means of microfluidics. The presence of the target substances in fluid samples is detected by sensing fluorescent radiation generated by fluorescent tag bound to the target substances. The fluorescent tags generate fluorescent radiation as a result of their excitation by the evanescent field. One or more PMT detectors or a CCD detector are located at the side of the waveguide opposite to the nanowells. Fluorescent radiation is detected due to its coupling with the waveguide or its emission through the waveguide.

Abstract: A method for optical modulation comprising the steps of guiding an optical wave in an optical waveguide, the optical wave having an evanescent tail; and applying a modulation voltage to the evanescent tail.

Abstract: A wide-band fiber-optic tunable filter is provided. Dispersive polymers with different dispersion characteristics and side-polished fibers are used to fabricate wide-band tunable band-pass filters, band-rejection filters, short-wavelength-pass filters or long-wavelength-pass filters. This kind of wide-band fiber-optic tunable fiber filters is able to be used in the applications of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) system networks. It is also able to be used in the applications of sensitive temperature sensors, high-resolution fiber refractometers, gain-flattened filters, fiber modal filters and fiber mode-field expanders/condensers.

Abstract: The invention discloses a semi-ring Fabry-Perot (SRFP) optical resonator structure comprising a medium including an edge forming a reflective facet and a waveguide within the medium, the waveguide having opposing ends formed by the reflective facet. The performance of the SRFP resonator can be further enhanced by including a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the waveguide on one side of the gain medium. The optical resonator can be employed in a variety of optical devices. Laser structures using at least one SRFP resonator are disclosed where the resonators are disposed on opposite sides of a gain medium. Other laser structures employing one or more resonators on one side of a gain region are also disclosed.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit and a method of producing such a planar lightwave circuit, the planar lightwave circuit having an element secured thereon. The planar lightwave circuit comprises: a substrate; a trench cut in the substrate; at least one solder pad deposited on a top surface deposited above the substrate; at least one of a waveguide defined in a layer deposited above the substrate and an optical fiber; and an optical element placed within the trench and in optical communication with the at least one of a waveguide and an optical fiber; at least one metal contact configured on the optical element to be adjacent to the metal pad, the solder pad being connected to the metal contact providing physical support to the optical element and an electrical connection between the metal pad and the metal contact.

Abstract: An evanescent optically coupled electronic device including: a backplane wave guide or mother board including a set of parallel carriers that define a first plurality of parallel channels and include a first array of optical fibers having exposed cores in the first plurality of parallel channels; at least one electronic card or daughter board including a high speed optical waveguide bus; a flexible fiber ribbon or film including waveguides made up of individual optical fibers of locally increased refractive index joined by a web of suitable material forming the high speed optical waveguide bus and optically connecting the backplane waveguide and the at least one electronic card with no 90° angle turns; and a mechanism for retaining the first array of optical fibers having exposed cores in abutting and facing evanescent optical contact with the individual optical fibers in the flexible fiber or ribbon.

Abstract: Formation of a substantially flat upper cladding surface over a waveguide core facilitates transverse-coupling between assembled waveguides, and/or provides mechanical alignment and/or support. An embedding medium may be employed for securing optical assemblies and protecting optical surfaces thereof. Structural elements fabricated with a low-profile core may be employed for providing mechanical alignment and/or support, aiding in the encapsulation process, and so forth.

Abstract: The index of refraction of waveguide structures can be varied by altering carrier concentration. The waveguides preferably comprise semiconductors like silicon that are substantially optically transmissive at certain wavelengths. Variation of the carrier density in these semiconductors may be effectuated by inducing an electric field within the semiconductor for example by apply a voltage to electrodes associated with the semiconductor. Variable control of the index of refraction may be used to implement a variety of functionalites including, but not limited to, tunable waveguide gratings and resonant cavities, switchable couplers, modulators, and optical switches.

Abstract: A single-mode optical waveguide with a core, surrounded by a cladding consisting of an inner soft layer and an outer harder layer is described. The outer layer has a grating structure on its inner surface, whose spatial frequency is the same as that of the guided mode. The thickness of the inner cladding is sufficient to keep the grating outside the mode field in undeformed regions of the waveguide, so that normally no out-coupling of the light results. Connections are made by crossing two such waveguides at an angle and pressing them together. This results in deformation of the two waveguides such that the gratings are brought into proximity with the cores. Light is coupled out of one waveguide and into the other in the deformed region, resulting in a self-aligning optical connection. The out-coupled light propagates normal to the waveguide axis, so errors in the crossing angle cause little change in efficiency.

Abstract: An optical fiber (10) having a first section (10A) with little or no small-angle scattering (SAS) and a second section (10B) with an increased amount of SAS is disclosed. The optical fiber is formed by changing the draw temperature (TD) and/or the draw speed (VD) so as to induce index of refraction perturbations (P) at a core interface (40). The SAS optical fiber is useful in forming an evanescent optical fiber sensor (400), wherein the increased SAS enhances an evanescent wave portion (436) of a guided wave (434), which leads to increased sensitivity when measuring a property of a test medium (500).

Abstract: A microsensor for sensing a substance comprises a substrate, a source of light, an optical microresonator or semiconductor optical ring microresonator fabricated in the substrate exposed to the substance to allow an interaction between the microresonator and substance, a waveguide coupling the source of light to the optical microresonator, and a detector coupled to the microresonator to measure the resonant frequency of the microresonator, the absorption loss of whispering gallery modes in the microresonator or the quality factor of the microresonator, which are sensitive to interaction of the substance with the optical microresonator. A polymer coating disposed on the microresonator is reactive with the substance. The microsensor may comprise a plurality of microresonators corresponding to a plurality of different resonant frequencies to generate an absorption spectrum of the substance.

Abstract: A broadband optical via provides a low loss interconnection between waveguides in two vertically adjacent planar waveguiding layers. Two waveguides, one in each planar layer, evanescently interact over an interaction length, and substantially all of the power on one waveguide is transferred to the second waveguide. The relative detuning between waveguides is varied along the interaction region by tapering the width of one or both guides along the direction of propagation. The interaction strength is also varied by varying the physical separation between the two waveguides such that the interaction approaches zero near the two ends of the interaction length. The performance of the broadband optical via is fabrication tolerant, polarization tolerant, wavelength tolerant, and dimensionally tolerant.

Abstract: Tunable optical filters using whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators-are described. The WGM optical resonator in a filter exhibits an electro-optical effect and hence is tunable by applying a control electrical signal.

Abstract: Methods of tuning, switching or modulating, or, in general, changing the resonance of waveguide micro-resonators. Changes in the resonance can be brought about, permanently or temporarily, by changing the size of the micro-resonator with precision, by changing the local physical structure of the device or by changing the effective and group indices of refraction of the mode in the micro-resonator. Further changing the asymmetry of the index profile around a waveguide can alter the birefringence of the waveguide and allows one to control the polarization in the waveguide. This change in index profile may be used to change the polarization dependence or birefringence of the resonators.

Abstract: Optical devices having at least one whispering gallery mode cavity formed on a side-polished coupling port of a fiber or waveguide based on evanescent coupling are described.

Abstract: Fiber sensors formed on side-polished fiber coupling ports based on evanescent coupling. Such sensors may be configured to measure various materials and may be used to form multi-phase sensing devices.

Abstract: Coupled fiber-optic, evanescent-wave biosensors are improved through the use of configurations which adjust certain optical characteristics for enhanced sensitivity. In the preferred embodiment, this is carried out by inputting light into the coupler at either a different wavelength or multiple wavelengths simultaneously. In alternative embodiments, different modulation schemes and/or interferometric schemes are utilized. For example, at each of the inputs, different carrier frequencies may be used and modulated at lower frequencies, including prime-number frequencies. As the refractive index is changed in the vicinity of the coupling, a shift in the wavelength will induce a phase shift in the baseline signal such that, during data collection, the sensor is able to detect more refined changes. In general, through appropriate choice of input wavelength, fewer operational points will fall in an inefficient local maximum or minimum, thereby affording much greater sensitivity.

Abstract: Fiber sensors formed on side-polished fiber coupling ports based on evanescent coupling are described. Such sensors may be configured to measure various materials and may be used to form multi-phase sensing devices. A Bragg grating may be implemented in such sensors to form reflective fiber sensors.

Abstract: An arrangement for achieving and maintaining high efficiency coupling of light between a multi-wavelength optical signal and a relatively thin (e.g., sub-micron) silicon optical waveguide uses a prism coupler in association with an evanescent coupling layer. A grating structure having a period less than the wavelengths of transmission is formed in the coupling region (either formed in the silicon waveguide, evanescent coupling layer, prism coupler, or any combination thereof) so as to increase the effective refractive index “seen” by the multi-wavelength optical signal in the area where the beam exiting/entering the prism coupler intercepts the waveguide surface (referred to as the “prism coupling surface”).

Abstract: A polarization-maintaining optical fiber component which suppresses coupling of propagating light to a high-order mode at the optical coupling section of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber component, caused by different refractive indexes between the stress applying sections and the cladding, thus reducing excess loss, is constructed by using a polarization-maintaining optical fiber having stress applying sections arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a core in a cladding surrounding the core, wherein the largest one of those concentric circles of the core or the said cladding which do not reach the stress applying sections and do not include the stress applying sections within has a diameter of 20 ?m or greater.

Abstract: A fiber-optic tunable filter and an intensity modulator respectively includes: a fiber having a polished surface and an evanescent-field; and a photonic crystal having plural cavities and a filler filled therein and attached to the polished surface, wherein the plural cavities and the filler decide a photonic band-gap of the photonic crystal and the photonic band-gap is adjusted to reflect a light with a specific wavelength through the evanescent interaction with the photonic crystal material. Based on the fiber side-polishing technique, all kinds of fiber active and passive devices are able to be manufactured easily, especially for a high speed intensity modulator using an EO (Electro-Optic) polymer as the filler.

Abstract: An optical fiber array block includes at least one optical waveguide having an optical fiber zone, and an optical device. An optical signal leakage window is formed at the optical waveguide, and the optical device corresponds to the optical signal leakage window. If the optical signal leakage window is formed at an optical fiber comprising a core and a clad layer, the clad layer is partially removed or is partially connected to the core by means of an ion implantation technique.

Abstract: A variable optical device for selectively controlling propagation of light within an optical waveguide. The optical device comprises: a relief modulation defining a grating disposed proximal the waveguide and having a respective grating index of refraction nG; a matrix surrounding at least the relief modulation, the matrix having an index of refraction nEO that is controllable, in response to a selected stimulus between a first value that is substantially equal to the grating index of refraction nG, and a second value that is different from nG; and at least one electrode for supplying the selected stimulus to the matrix-grating system.

Abstract: An optical switch formed of a holographic optical element (HOE) disposed above a top surface of a substrate and moveable relative thereto is shown. Light is traveling through the substrate under total internal reflection, which creates an evanescent field extending beyond the reflecting surfaces of the substrate. The HOE is characterized, in one embodiment, by being formed from a plurality of strips that are moveable between a first position in which the strips are above the evanescent field and a second position in which the strips are inside the evanescent field. In the first position, the light in the substrate propagates unaffected by the HOE in a primary direction of propagation. In the second position, the light in the substrate is altered by the HOE and made to propagate in a reflected direction oblique to that of the primary direction of propagation.

Abstract: An integrated waveguide and photodetector which are evanescently coupled, and methods of making such integrated waveguide and photodetector.

Abstract: Methods of forming a tapered evanescent coupling region for use with a relatively thin silicon optical waveguide formed with, for example, an SOI structure. A tapered evanescent coupling region is formed in a silicon substrate that is used as a coupling substrate, the coupling substrate thereafter joined to the SOI structure. A gray-scale photolithography process is used to define a tapered region in photoresist, the tapered pattern thereafter transferred into the silicon substrate. A material exhibiting a lower refractive index than the silicon optical waveguide layer (e.g., silicon dioxide) is then used to fill the tapered opening in the substrate. Advantageously, conventional silicon processing steps may be used to form coupling facets in the silicon substrate (i.e., angled surfaces, V-grooves) in an appropriate relation to the tapered evanescent coupling region.

Abstract: A radiation reflecting element (34), more particularly a so-called triple prism or a retro-reflector, is provided with a photonic element on a surface serving either for the passage of an electromagnetic energy beam (light) (40,43) or on one of the surfaces (30–32) serving for the deflection of the beam. The photonic element is characterized by the presence of a photonic band gap (5,7) capable of being shifted e.g. by an electric signal. Thus, with an appropriate selection of the wavelength of the light beam, the photonic element can be switched from reflective to transmissive, thereby allowing a modulation of the light beam with a high modulation depth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering image information from nanostructures includes a composite waveguide of conductive nanoparticles in a dielectric medium. The waveguide is irradiated with preferably coherent blue light to form a slow surface wave. The evanescent wave that is the “tail” of the surface wave exists outside the waveguide contiguous to its surface. The nanostructures are located to encounter the evanescent wave. The slowing of the wave that occurs in the waveguide reduces the wave's speed and wavelength sufficiently such that nanostructures can be imaged. Upon encountering the evanescent wave, the nanostructures radiate. This radiation causes a backward scattering from the structures and a forward perturbation of the wavefront of the surface wave. From the scattering and perturbation information about the physical characteristics of the nanostructures sufficient to form an image is derived.

Abstract: A fiber-optic-taper loop probe includes first and second fiber segments, first and second tapering segments, and a center taper segment. In a preferred embodiment, first and second fiber segments are about 125 ?m in diameter, and the center taper segment has a substantially constant diameter of about 2-5 ?m. The fiber-optic taper forms a loop, the center taper segment remaining substantially straight and opposite the crossing point of the loop. The loop is secured to a support structure to maintain its shape and facilitate positioning relative to an optical component to be tested. The fiber segments may be connected to an optical characterization system including one or more light sources, lasers, detectors, spectrometers, etc. The geometry of the loop enables transverse-optical-coupling of the loop probe with an optical component without undesirable contact between other portions of the loop probe and other portions of the optical component and/or substrate.

Abstract: A first optical fiber is coupled to a second optical fiber by ablating a portion of the cladding from the first and second optical fibers, thus exposing or nearly exposing the fibers' cores, bringing the ablated regions close together in the presence of an optical couplant, adjusting the alignment of the fibers so as to achieve a desired optical coupling ratio, and securing the fibers relative to each other. The ablation can be accomplished using a laser. The fibers can be secured mechanically or using adhesives. The finished coupler can be sleeved or otherwise encapsulated for physical protection. The technique can be applied to pairs of fiber ribbons, each having multiple optical fibers.

Abstract: Optical coupler apparatus having reduced geometry sensitivity includes spaced apart first and second main waveguides having a coupling section. In one embodiment, first and second side waveguide sections are arranged in the coupling section adjacent outer sides of the first and second main waveguides to allow evanescent coupling between the main waveguides and side waveguide sections. Methods of fabrication and operation are also described.

Abstract: A method for forming a hybrid active electronic and optical circuit using a lithography mask. The hybrid active electronic and optical circuit comprising an active electronic device and at least one optical device on a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer. The SOI wafer including an insulator layer and an upper silicon layer. The upper silicon layer including at least one component of the active electronic device and at least one component of the optical device. The method comprising projecting the lithography mask onto the SOI waver in order to simultaneously pattern the component of the active electronic device and the component of the optical device on the SOI wafer.