Multi-mode interferometer coupler with core strips
AssigneeElenion Technologies, LLC
InventorAlexandre Horth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
For multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers that have a plurality of input and output ports, e.g. 4×4, a large number of modes may be supported in the multimode region, e.g. >10, as the width of the MMI core grows larger. In order for MMI couplers to form good images, the supported modes preferably have low modal phase error, which can't be achieved using a conventional single layer design. Accordingly, a multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler comprising an MMI core comprising a plurality of waveguide core strips alternating with a plurality of cladding strips solves the aforementioned problems.
Claims20
An optical coupler comprising:
- a first central waveguide strip;
- a first input port at one end of the first central waveguide strip;
- a first output port at an opposite end of the first central waveguide strip;
- a first waveguide side strip, extending along one side of the first central waveguide strip with a first cladding strip therebetween;
- a second waveguide side strip, extending along an opposite side of the first central waveguide strip with a second cladding strip therebetween;
- a second central waveguide strip;
- a second input port at one end of the second central waveguide strip;
- a second output port at an opposite end of the second central waveguide strip;
- a third waveguide side strip, extending between the second waveguide side strip and the second central waveguide strip with respective third and fourth cladding strips on either side thereof;
- a fourth waveguide side strip, extending along an opposite side of the second central waveguide strip with a fifth cladding strip therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.