Method And System For Mode Converters For Grating Couplers

A system for communication, the system comprising:

• a photonic chip comprising a waveguide, a grating coupler, and a mode converter, the waveguide coupled to the grating coupler via the mode converter, the mode converter comprising waveguide material and tapers defined by tapered regions without waveguide material, wherein the tapers comprise triangular shapes with straight sides meeting at a point away from the grating coupler, the photonic chip operable to:
• receive an optical signal in the mode converter from the waveguide, said received optical signal having an incoming light profile;
• and
• spatially deflect the incoming light profile in the mode converter to configure a desired profile in the grating coupler.

A method for communication, the method comprising:

• in a photonic chip comprising a waveguide, a grating coupler, and a mode converter, the waveguide coupled to the grating coupler via the mode converter, the mode converter comprising waveguide material and tapers defining tapered regions without waveguide material, wherein the tapers comprise triangular shapes with straight sides meeting at a point away from the grating coupler:
• receiving an optical signal in the mode converter from the grating coupler, said received optical signal having an incoming light profile;
• and
• spatially relaxing the incoming light profile in the mode converter to configure a desired profile in the waveguide.