Optical multi-mode interference devices based on self-imaging: principles and applications

Author

Soldano, Lucas B. ; Pennings, Erik C M

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. Eng., Delft Univ. of Technol., Netherlands

Volume

13

Issue

4

fYear

1995

fDate

4/1/1995 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

615

Lastpage

627

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of integrated optics routing and coupling devices based on multimode interference. The underlying self-imaging principle in multimode waveguides is described using a guided mode propagation analysis. Special issues concerning the design and operation of multimode interference devices are discussed, followed by a survey of reported applications. It is shown that multimode interference couplers offer superior performance, excellent tolerance to polarization and wavelength variations, and relaxed fabrication requirements when compared to alternatives such as directional couplers, adiabatic X- or Y-junctions, and diffractive star couplers

Keywords

integrated optics; light interference; light polarisation; optical communication equipment; optical couplers; optical directional couplers; optical images; optical waveguide theory; guided mode propagation analysis; integrated optics coupling devices; integrated optics routing devices; multimode interference couplers; multimode interference devices; multimode waveguides; optical multi-mode interference devices; overview; polarization variations; relaxed fabrication requirements; self-imaging; wavelength variations; Couplers; Fabrication; Integrated optics; Interference; Optical coupling; Optical devices; Optical propagation; Optical waveguides; Polarization; Routing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Lightwave Technology, Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0733-8724

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/50.372474

Filename

372474