Title :
Efficient coupling of a graded index glass guide to a polymer guide by means of a tapered transition
Author :
Grando, D. ; Palchetti, L. ; Sottini, S. ; Giorgetti, E.
Author_Institution :
Politecnico di Bari, Italy
Abstract :
A new four layer tapered coupler (FLTC) has been studied and tested, able to transfer light efficiently from a monomode fiber to a polymer film guide by means of an auxiliary graded index glass waveguide. A simple theory has been developed to calculate the maximum efficiency of these structures. Experiments have been performed at λ=1.321 μm on several FLTC samples, containing K+-Na+ ion-exchanged glass waveguides and spin coated poly-3BCMU films. Insertion losses in the range 3-6.5 dB have been measured, depending on the taper configuration. The agreement between theoretical and experimental data is good, provided that a suitable ripple of the taper profile is assumed
Keywords :
gradient index optics; optical couplers; optical fibres; optical glass; optical loss measurement; optical losses; optical waveguide theory; optical waveguides; polymer films; 1.321 micron; 3 to 6.5 dB; K+-Na+ ion-exchanged glass waveguides; experimental data; experiments; four layer tapered coupler; graded index glass waveguide; insertion loss measurement; maximum efficiency; monomode fiber; optical waveguide theory; polymer film guide; spin coated poly-3BCMU films; taper configuration; taper profile ripple; tapered transition; Glass; Optical fiber devices; Optical fibers; Optical films; Optical materials; Optical waveguides; Polymer films; Refractive index; Testing; Waveguide transitions;
Conference_Titel :
Microwave and Optoelectronics Conference, 1995. Proceedings., 1995 SBMO/IEEE MTT-S International
Conference_Location :
Rio de Janeiro
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-2674-1
DOI :
10.1109/SBMOMO.1995.509716
