Efficient coupling between submicron SOI-waveguides and single-mode fibers

Abstract

We have demonstrated a waveguide grating coupler for efficient coupling between single-mode fiber and submicron Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) waveguides. The coupler has good alignment tolerances and can be fabricated using standard silicon processing techniques. We have demonstrated 25% coupling efficiency and a 3dB bandwidth of 65nm. The couplers can be used in two-dimensional arrays to achieve a much higher number of input-output fiber connections than is possible with conventional edge coupling.