Waveguide excitation uniformity

Abstract

Systems and methods for optical power distribution within an integrated device, in a substantially uniform manner, to a large number of sample wells and/or other photonic elements. The integrated device and related instruments and systems may be used to analyze samples in parallel. The integrated device may include a grating coupler configured to receive light from an excitation source and optically couple with multiple waveguides configured to couple with sample wells. Vertical extents of optical modes of individual waveguides may be modulated to adjust confinement of light within the waveguides. This modulation may enable more uniform distribution of excitation light to the sample wells, improve excitation efficiency, and prevent overpower on regions of the integrated device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.