Dual grating-assisted directional coupling between fibers and thin semiconductor waveguides

A novel dual grating-assisted directional coupler (DGADC) for coupling an optical fiber with a thin semiconductor waveguide is proposed. As an example, a DGADC in silicon-on-insulator is discussed. Maximum coupling efficiency in excess of 90% can be obtained using this coupler, while the highest coupling efficiency previously reported was only 40%.