Integrated circuit, system, and method for coupling optical signals into an integrated circuit

A system, comprising:

• an integrated circuit, comprising:
• an optical input configured to couple to an optical fiber, wherein the optical input is configured to receive an optical signal from the optical fiber;
• a controllable liquid crystal element configured to receive the optical signal from the optical input;
• an optical waveguide positioned directly at the liquid crystal element;
• and
• a control device configured to activate the liquid crystal element to modulate its refractive index, thereby enabling the optical signal to be at least partially coupled into the optical waveguide.

A method for operating an integrated circuit, comprising:

• coupling an optical fiber to an optical input of the integrated circuit, wherein the optical input is configured to receive an optical signal from the optical fiber;
• coupling the optical signal from the optical input to a controllable liquid crystal element of the integrated circuit;
• and
• modulating the refractive index of the liquid crystal element using a control device, thereby enabling the optical signal to be at least partially coupled into an optical waveguide positioned directly at the liquid crystal element.