Title :
Ideal microlenses for laser to fiber coupling
Author :
Edwards, Christopher A. ; Presby, Herman M. ; Dragone, Corrado
Author_Institution :
AT&T Bell Lab., Holmdel, NJ, USA
fDate :
2/1/1993 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The design and fabrication of ideal microlenses for semiconductor laser to fiber coupling are reported. Properly coated for reflections, lenses of the new design can theoretically collect 100% of the radiated energy of a modal-symmetric laser source. The crucial feature is its hyperbolic shape. Microlenses fabricated directly on the end of the fiber by laser micromachining have demonstrated up to 90% coupling efficiency. This performance represents a major advance in microlens technology when compared to currently fabricated hemispherical microlenses which are at best 55% efficient. A theoretical comparison of the two lens shapes illuminates the advantages of the hyperbolic profile. The ability to couple all of the light from a semiconductor laser into a fiber has far-reaching implications for all optical communication systems
Keywords :
lenses; optical communication equipment; optical couplers; optical design techniques; optical fibre fabrication; 90 percent; coupling efficiency; fiber coupling; fibre end microlenses; hyperbolic profile; hyperbolic shape; laser micromachining; lens shapes; microlens design; microlens fabrication; modal-symmetric laser source; optical communication systems; radiated energy; reflection coatings; semiconductor laser; Fiber lasers; Laser theory; Lenses; Microoptics; Optical coupling; Optical design; Optical device fabrication; Optical fiber communication; Semiconductor lasers; Shape;
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
