Coupling of fiber optics to planar grating couplers

An apparatus comprising:

• a groove assembly having a first surface having first and second grooves formed therein and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface;
• a first optical fiber disposed within the first groove of the groove assembly and a second optical fiber disposed within the second groove of the groove assembly, the first optical fiber having a length defining an axis of propagation of light therein;
• and
• an optical integrated circuit having a first surface on which is disposed an optical grating coupler, the first surface of the optical integrated circuit being proximate the second surface of the groove assembly and distal the first surface of the groove assembly;
• a section of coreless fiber mechanically connected to an end of the first optical fiber and disposed within the first groove;
• a lens mechanically connected to the section of coreless fiber such that the section of coreless fiber is disposed between the first optical fiber and the lens, and
• an optical element mechanically connected to the lens and disposed such that the lens is between the first optical fiber and the optical element the optical element being configured such that light traveling along the axis of propagation within the first optical fiber is deviated toward the optical grating coupler, the optical element having an exit surface disposed between the first surface of the optical integrated circuit and a bottom surface of the first groove of the groove assembly;
• wherein the optical element is shared by the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.