Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Particular coupling structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-26
2001-04-03
Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Particular coupling structure
C385S052000, C385S050000, C385S088000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212320
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for coupling an optical fibre to a waveguide on an optical chip.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many different arrangements have been proposed and used for coupling an optical fibre to a waveguide integrated on an optical chip to ensure that the fibre and waveguide are positioned in alignment with each other and to provide a low-loss coupling for the transmission of optical signals from the fibre to the waveguide and vice versa.
One known method of coupling a fibre to a waveguide is disclosed in WO97/42534. In this arrangement, a V-groove is provided in a silicon-on-insulator chip. Due to the manner in which the V-groove is etched, the end face of the groove is not perpendicular to the plane of the chip but is inclined thereto. Accordingly, in order to enable a close, abutting relationship between the end of the fibre and the end of the waveguide to be provided, the waveguide is constructed so as to overhang the inclined end face of the groove. This arrangement works well in many situations but in some applications there is concern that the overhanging portion of the waveguide may not be sufficiently robust to withstand harsh conditions to which it may be subjected.
The invention aims to provide an alternative arrangement which is likely to be more robust yet is still simple, easy to fabricate and facilitates passive alignment of the fibre with the waveguide.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for coupling an optical fibre to a waveguide on an optical chip, the apparatus comprising a recess in the chip for receiving the optical fibre, the recess comprising a V-groove the side faces of which locate the position of the fibre in directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the fibre so as to position the fibre in alignment with the waveguide, and an end face adjacent the end of the waveguide, the end face of the recess being substantially flat and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the chip with its normal inclined to the optical axis of the waveguide so an optical fibre having an inclined end face can be brought into a close, abutting relationship with the end of the waveguide and brought into rotational alignment therewith about its optical axis by positioning the fibre so its inclined end face lies in planar contact with the end face of the recess.
Preferred and optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4948219 (1990-08-01), Seino et al.
patent: 5046808 (1991-09-01), Chang
patent: 5479547 (1995-12-01), Kunikane
patent: 5548673 (1996-08-01), Kitamura et al.
patent: 5787214 (1998-07-01), Harpin et al.
patent: 0283301 A2 (1983-09-01), None
patent: 0572604 A2 (1993-02-01), None
patent: 2239102 (1991-06-01), None
patent: WO 97/42534 (1997-11-01), None
Dawnay Emma Jane Clarissa
Drake John Paul
Harpin Arnold Peter Roscoe
McKenzie James Stuart
Rickman Andrew George
Assaf Fayez
Bookham Technology plc
Fleshner & Kim LLP
Schuberg Darren
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