阅读说明：本技术 包括法拉第旋转器的光学耦合器 (Optical coupler comprising a Faraday rotator ) 是由 J·E·罗斯 J·鲍特斯 G·A·菲什 于 2018-08-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的实施例涉及包括法拉第旋转器的光学耦合器。设备包括：光旋转层,被配置为接收第一光和第二光,所接收的所述第一光和所接收的所述第二光具有不同的初始偏振,所述光旋转层被配置为将所述第一光和所述第二光旋转到不同的旋转偏振。双折射层,被配置为用于将经旋转的所述第一光和经旋转的所述第二光分离一段距离；以及重定向层,被配置为将经旋转的和经分离的所述第一光重定向到第一重定向路径并且进一步将经旋转和经分离的所述第二光重定向到第二重定向路径。(Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to optical couplers including faraday rotators. The apparatus comprises: a light rotating layer configured to receive first and second light, the received first and second light having different initial polarizations, the light rotating layer configured to rotate the first and second light to different rotated polarizations. A birefringent layer configured to separate the rotated first light and the rotated second light by a distance; and a redirection layer configured to redirect the rotated and separated first light to a first redirection path and further redirect the rotated and separated second light to a second redirection path.)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a light rotating layer configured to receive first and second light, the received first and second light having different initial polarizations, the light rotating layer configured to rotate the first and second light to different rotated polarizations;

a birefringent layer configured to separate the rotated first light and the rotated second light by a distance; and

a redirection layer configured to redirect the rotated and separated first light to a first redirection path and further redirect the rotated and separated second light to a second redirection path.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the redirection layer comprises a first coupler and a second coupler separated by the distance in the redirection layer.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first coupler is a first grating and the second coupler is a second grating.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first grating directs the rotated and separated first light toward the first redirection path, and wherein the second grating directs the rotated and separated second light toward the second redirection path.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a focusing layer having a lens that directs the first light and the second light through the light-rotating layer toward the redirecting layer.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first light and the second light are input to the device through a waveguide that co-propagates the first light and the second light.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the waveguide is an optical fiber.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first redirection path is along a first waveguide and the second redirection path is along a second waveguide.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first waveguide is orthogonal to the second waveguide.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first waveguide is a first output optical fiber and the second waveguide is a second output optical fiber.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first light has a first initial polarization and the second light has a second initial polarization, the first initial polarization being different from the second initial polarization, and wherein the light rotator layer is configured to rotate the first light from the first initial polarization to a first rotated polarization and to rotate the second light from the second initial polarization to a second rotated polarization, the first rotated polarization being different from the second rotated polarization.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical rotator layer is a faraday optical rotator layer.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the faraday optical rotator is configured to rotate the polarization of the first and second light by 45 degrees.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the birefringent layer comprises a negative uniaxial birefringent material to separate the first and second light having different rotational polarizations.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the birefringent layer comprises a positively uniaxially birefringent material to separate the first and second light having different rotational polarizations.

16. A method of routing light using an optical coupler device, comprising:

first and second light are received at a light rotating layer of the optical coupler device, the first and second light having different initial polarizations.

Rotating, by the light rotating layer, the first light and the second light to different rotational polarizations;

separating the rotated first light and the rotated second light by a distance through a birefringent layer of the optical coupler device; and

redirecting the rotated and separated first light to a first redirection path and the rotated and separated second light to a second redirection path through a redirection layer of the optical coupler device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the redirection layer comprises a first grating and a second grating separated by the distance in the redirection layer, wherein the first grating directs the rotated and separated first light toward the first redirection path, and wherein the second grating directs the rotated and separated second light toward the second redirection path.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

directing, by a focusing layer of the optical coupler device toward the redirecting layer, the first light and the second light through the light rotating layer, through the birefringent layer.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first light has a first initial polarization and the second light has a second initial polarization, the first initial polarization being different from the second initial polarization, and wherein the light rotator layer is configured to rotate the first light from the first initial polarization to a first rotated polarization and to rotate the second light from the second initial polarization to a second rotated polarization, the first rotated polarization being different from the second rotated polarization.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the light rotator layer is configured to rotate the polarization of the first and second light by 45 degrees.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a device for coupling light between an optical fiber and a waveguide.

Background

The on-chip light source may deliver light to the photonic integrated circuit. The optical fiber may transmit light from the photonic integrated circuit. It is desirable to reduce or eliminate the light returning from the optical fiber to the on-chip light source, which may cause noise or other instabilities in the light from the on-chip light source.

Drawings

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a device that can couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide and can reduce coupling of return light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of fig. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of returning light propagating through the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

Figure 4 illustrates an example of a dual polarization grating coupler, according to some embodiments.

Figure 5 illustrates another example of a dual polarization grating coupler, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of another apparatus that may couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide and that may reduce coupling of returning light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of fig. 6, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus of FIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of two single polarization grating couplers, according to some embodiments.

Figure 10 illustrates another example of two single polarization grating couplers, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of another apparatus that may couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide and that may reduce coupling of returning light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of FIG. 11, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus of FIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of fig. 11 when the device of fig. 11 is configured as a transmission element, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 15 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus of fig. 11 when the apparatus of fig. 11 is configured as a transmission element, in accordance with some embodiments.

Figure 16 illustrates an example of a method for coupling incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide and reducing coupling of return light from the waveguide into the optical fiber according to some embodiments.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Elements in the drawings figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The configurations shown in the figures are examples only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Detailed Description

Some optical devices may include an on-chip light source, such as a laser. Photonic integrated circuits may include one or more waveguides that may direct light from on-chip light sources to other portions of the chip as desired. To direct light away from the chip, a coupling device may couple light from one or more waveguides to an optical fiber. Reflections from one or both ends of the fiber may feed back into the waveguide and may create a pseudo-lasing effect or additive noise in the light output of the on-chip light source.

The optical coupling devices discussed in detail below may reduce or eliminate this unwanted feedback by reducing or eliminating coupling of light of the same polarization state back into the waveguide (e.g., from the waveguide, to the fiber, and back into the waveguide). For example, an on-chip light source may generate light. Light may be transferred from the first waveguide to a grating coupler or coupler, or to an optical fiber. If light returns from the fiber without any change in polarization state, as is the case with reflection from the end of the fiber, the light returns to the grating coupler or couplers and then passes to a second waveguide, different from the first waveguide. The second waveguide guides light from the optical fiber away from the on-chip light source, which may reduce or eliminate parasitic lasing effects or additive noise in the light output from the on-chip light source. The device may be formed as a layered structure that may utilize wafer level processes to reduce the cost of the device and improve device-to-device consistency of the device.

While optical coupling devices may be used to reduce feedback from an on-chip light source, where the optical path extends from the waveguide to the optical fiber and then back to the waveguide, it is simpler to discuss the optical path and optical components starting from the optical fiber and extending toward the waveguide. The remainder of this disclosure discusses a convention wherein the light propagating from the optical fiber to the waveguide is "incident" light and the light propagating from the waveguide to the optical fiber is "return" light. This naming convention assumes that light is delivered through an optical fiber, but it should be understood that the optical devices discussed below may also be used with an on-chip light source coupled to one of the waveguides.

In a first configuration, as shown in fig. 1-3, the device can use a forty-five degree faraday rotator to manipulate the polarization state of a light beam propagating through the device such that light having a particular polarization orientation can return to an orthogonal polarization orientation. This configuration helps to reduce spurious lasing effects, since lasing effects may be sensitive to polarization states. The configuration of figures 1-3 uses a dual polarization grating coupler.

In a second configuration, as shown in fig. 6-8, the device improves on the first configuration by adding a birefringent layer to spatially separate the two polarization states and uses two single polarization grating couplers instead of a single dual polarization grating coupler. Such a single polarization grating coupler may have a higher coupling efficiency than a comparable dual polarization grating coupler, so that the overall coupling efficiency of the device may be improved. In the first and second configurations, the unwanted returning light returns in an orthogonal polarization state.

In a third configuration shown in fig. 11-13, the device improves upon the first and second configurations by reversing the order of the faraday rotator layers and birefringent layers. This may change the physical optical path through which the return light in the birefringent layer passes and may allow the apparatus to direct the return light to different physical locations. Directing the returning light to different physical locations can significantly reduce coupling and can provide an additional degree of optical isolation for the coupling device in addition to rotating the plane of polarization.

It is beneficial to clarify the terms "light" and "path" as used in this document. Light (e.g., such as a first light, a second light, etc.) is intended to mean a beam or a collection of light rays. The beam may have a cross-sectional dimension, which may be referred to as a footprint. The beam may be collimated so that the footprint remains of a constant size as the beam propagates. The beam may converge so that the footprint will shrink as the beam propagates. The beam may diverge such that the footprint grows as the beam propagates. The light beam may change cross-sectional size, divergence and direction as it propagates throughout the optical system. In this document, a light beam may exit from an optical fiber and be coupled into a waveguide, or may exit from a waveguide and be coupled into an optical fiber. The path is intended to represent the central axis of the beam as it travels. The light beam may propagate along a path in both the incident direction (fiber to waveguide) and the return direction (waveguide to fiber).

Throughout the document, there are four lights (e.g., four beams) that are reused in various system configurations. For convenience, these four lights are designated as first, second, third and fourth, although there is no significance to the numbering sequence. In the figure, the first, second, third and fourth lights are marked with circled numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, with black numbers on a white background.

There are also two paths that are reused in various system configurations. For convenience, these two paths are designated as the first and second, although there is no significance to the numbering order. In the figure, the first and second paths are marked with circled numbers 1 and 2, with white numbers on a black background. The first and second optical paths may overlap in one portion of the optical coupling device and may diverge in another portion of the optical coupling device.

The following paragraphs define four lights and two paths used throughout the document. This paragraph can also generally provide an overview of all three system configurations. Detailed information for each configuration is provided in the discussion below.

In one example, an apparatus may include a faraday rotator layer. The Faraday rotator layer can receive first light having a first polarization orientation. The faraday rotator layer can receive second light having a second polarization orientation orthogonal to the first polarization orientation. The Faraday rotator layer can propagate the first light through the Faraday rotator layer to form a third light. The third light may have a third polarization orientation that is at a 45 degree angle relative to the first polarization orientation. The Faraday rotator layer can propagate the second light through the Faraday rotator layer to form fourth light. The fourth light may have a fourth polarization orientation at a 45 degree angle relative to the second polarization orientation. The device may also include a planar redirection layer. The redirection layer may include at least one grating coupler. The redirection layer may redirect the third light to propagate within the redirection layer along a first redirection path, and redirect the fourth light to propagate within the redirection layer along a second redirection path. The second redirection path may be angled relative to the first redirection path. The first optical path may extend from the optical fiber through the device to the first waveguide. The second optical path may extend from the optical fiber through the device to the second waveguide.

The preceding paragraphs are merely a summary of the subject matter that follows and should not be construed as limiting in any way. The following discussion provides additional detailed information regarding each configuration.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus 100 according to some embodiments, which apparatus 100 may couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide, but may reduce coupling of return light from the waveguide into the optical fiber. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device 100 of fig. 1, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus 100 of fig. 1, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 1-3 are discussed below in tandem.

The Faraday rotator layer 112 can receive first light having a first polarization orientation. The Faraday rotator layer 112 may receive second light having a second polarization orientation orthogonal to the first polarization orientation. The Faraday rotator layer 112 may propagate the first light through the Faraday rotator layer to form a third light. The third light may have a third polarization orientation that is at a 45 degree angle relative to the first polarization orientation. The Faraday rotator layer 112 can propagate the second light through the Faraday rotator layer 112 to form fourth light. The fourth light may have a fourth polarization orientation at a 45 degree angle relative to the second polarization orientation.

The planar redirection layer 116 may include at least one grating coupler 118. Redirection layer 116 may redirect the third light to propagate within redirection layer 116 along first redirection path 120 and redirect the fourth light to propagate within redirection layer 116 along second redirection path 122. Second redirection path 116 may be angled with respect to first redirection path 120. In some examples, the first redirection path may be orthogonal to the second redirection path. In some examples, the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light may have respective polarization orientations parallel to a plane of the redirection layer 116 on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122.

The first optical path may extend from the optical fiber 102 through the device 100 to the first waveguide 106. The second optical path may extend from the optical fiber 102 through the device 100 to the second waveguide 108.

The components of the device 100 are discussed in further detail below.

The optical fiber 102 may deliver light 104 from an off-chip light source, such as one or more laser diodes and/or one or more light emitting diodes. In some examples, the light 104 from the optical fiber is a continuous wave. In other examples, the light 104 from the optical fiber may include a stream of data modulated onto the light. The optical fiber 102 may be a single mode fiber or a multimode fiber, having any suitable core and cladding configuration. Although the device 100 may be a layered structure formed from a stack of substantially planar layers, the optical fiber 102 may transmit light 104 to the device 100 through a top (or bottom) surface of the layers, such that the transmitted light may propagate through the layers. In some examples, the optical fiber 102 may be positioned to direct light 104 into the device 100 along a longitudinal axis that is orthogonal to the plane of the one or more layers. In other examples, the optical fiber 102 may direct the light 104 into the device 100 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the optical fiber 102 is not part of the device 100. In other examples, the optical fiber 102 may be considered part of the device 100.

In some examples, the optional focusing layer 110 may impart convergence onto the first light such that the redirected third light is focused onto the longitudinal end of the first waveguide 106. An optional focusing layer 110 may impart convergence onto the second light such that the redirected fourth light is focused onto the longitudinal end of the second waveguide 108. Convergence may impart a mode shape that efficiently couples energy into a waveguide mode. In some examples, the focusing layer 110 can include a first surface that includes one or more curved features and a second surface that contacts the first surface of the faraday rotator layer 112 or another suitable layer downstream from the focusing layer 110. In some examples, the focusing layer 110 may include a lens. The lens may comprise an optically isotropic material such as silicon dioxide or air. The lens may comprise one or more surfaces. Each surface may have zero (e.g., flat) or limited curvature. In some examples, the lens may be attached directly to the photonic integrated circuit, either on the substrate surface or on the surface comprising the waveguide. In some examples, the lens surfaces may be external to the photonic integrated circuit, separated by an air gap. In some examples, the birefringent material may be attached directly to the photonic integrated circuit. In some examples, the lens and the birefringent material may be attached to each other but separated from the photonic integrated circuit by an air gap. In some examples, the lens may be attached to a birefringent material that is attached to the photonic integrated circuit.

In the geometry of the configuration of fig. 1-3, the first light and the second light may coincide along a single optical path. In the configuration of fig. 1-3, the reorienting layer 116 may include a dual polarization grating coupler 118. The dual polarization grating coupler 118 may redirect the third light to propagate within the redirection layer 116 along a first redirection path 120 and redirect the fourth light to propagate within the redirection layer 116 along a second redirection path 122.

Faraday rotator layer 112 may be positioned in the first and second paths adjacent to optical fiber 102, or adjacent to focusing layer 110 if focusing layer 110 is present. Faraday rotator layer 112 can rotate the respective plane of polarization of the incident beam by 45 degrees with a first handedness (fig. 2). Faraday rotator layer 112 may rotate the respective plane of polarization of the returned light beam by 45 degrees with a second handedness, opposite to the first handedness (FIG. 3). In the configuration of fig. 2 and 3, faraday rotator layer 112 imparts a 45 degree rotation to the incident beam using the so-called left-hand helix rule and a 45 degree rotation to the return beam using the so-called right-hand helix rule. In other configurations, the left-hand and right-hand spiral rules may be swapped. In all of these configurations, the net effect of the faraday rotator is that if light exits the fiber 102 with one polarization, it can reflect from the waveguide and return to the fiber 102 with the orthogonal polarization.

Optional spacer layers 114 may be located in the first and second paths adjacent to the faraday rotator layer 112. In some examples, the spacer layer 114 may be formed as a substrate on which a photonic integrated circuit may be formed. In some examples, the spacer layer 114 may be formed of an isotropic (e.g., non-birefringent) material. In some examples, the spacer layer 114 can have a first surface in contact with a second surface of the faraday rotator layer 112.

The planar redirection layer 116 may be located in the first and second paths adjacent to the faraday rotator layer 112 or adjacent to the spacer layer 114 if the spacer layer 114 is present. The redirection layer 116 may include at least one grating coupler. In some examples, the at least one grating coupler may be disposed on a surface of the redirection layer 116, such as on a top or bottom surface of the redirection layer 116. In some examples, at least one grating coupler may be disposed in the volume of the reorienting layer 116, between the top and bottom surfaces of the reorienting layer 116.

In the configuration of fig. 1-3, the reorienting layer 116 includes a dual polarization grating coupler 118. (in other configurations, such as those shown in fig. 6-8 and 11-13 and discussed below, the redirection layer 116 may alternatively comprise two single polarization grating couplers.) the dual polarization grating coupler 118 may be configured such that the first and second paths coincide between the optical fiber 102 and the dual polarization grating coupler 118 (e.g., from the optical fiber 102, through the optional focusing layer 110, through the faraday rotator layer 112, through the optional spacer layer 114, to the dual polarization grating coupler 118 at the redirection layer 116). The dual polarization grating coupler 118 may redirect the third light (fig. 2) to extend within the redirection layer 116 on a first redirection path 120 toward the first waveguide 106 (e.g., from the dual polarization grating coupler 118 to the first waveguide 106). The dual polarization grating coupler 118 may redirect the fourth light (fig. 2) to extend within the redirection layer 116 on a second redirection path 122 toward the second waveguide 108 (e.g., from the dual polarization grating coupler 118 to the second waveguide 108). Second redirection path 122 may be angled with respect to first redirection path 120. In some examples, first redirection path 120 may be orthogonal to second redirection path 122. Other angles may also be used. In some examples, the redirected third light may have a polarization orientation parallel to a polarization orientation of the redirected fourth light on the first and second redirected paths 120, 122. In some examples, the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light may have respective polarization orientations parallel to a plane of the redirection layer 116 on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122. In other examples, the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light may have respective polarization orientations that are orthogonal to the plane of the redirection layer 116 on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a dual polarization grating coupler 118A suitable for use with the device 100 of fig. 1-3, in accordance with some embodiments.

Dual polarization grating coupler 118A may include region 402 in which the index of refraction varies periodically in two directions, a first of the two directions being orthogonal to first redirection path 120 and a second of the two directions being orthogonal to second redirection path 122. The size of the area 402 may be larger than the respective footprints 404 of the first and second beams.

Figure 5 illustrates another example of a dual polarization grating coupler 118 suitable for use in the apparatus 100 of figures 1-3, in accordance with some embodiments.

The dual polarization grating coupler 118B of fig. 5 has the additional feature that the periodic variation in refractive index may be curved in shape, as compared to the dual polarization grating coupler 118A of fig. 4. The curvature may focus the first and second beams onto longitudinal ends of the first and second waveguides 106, 108, respectively. The focusing effect of such curvature may enhance or replace the focusing function of the optional focusing layer 110.

A potential improvement over the configuration of fig. 1-3 would be to use two single polarization grating couplers instead of the single dual polarization grating coupler 118. A single polarization grating coupler can be designed to have high coupling efficiency for only one polarization state, which is generally easier than designing high coupling efficiency for both orthogonal polarization states. To use two single polarization grating couplers, the device may add a birefringent layer that imparts spatial separation between beams having two orthogonal polarization states. Such an arrangement using a birefringent layer and two single polarization grating couplers is shown in figures 6-8.

Fig. 6 shows an example of another apparatus 600 that may couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide, but may reduce coupling of returning light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, according to some embodiments. Fig. 7 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device 600 of fig. 6, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 8 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus 600 of fig. 6, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 6-8 are discussed in tandem below.

In contrast to the device 100 of fig. 1-3, the device 600 of fig. 6-8 may also include a birefringent layer 602 located between the faraday rotator layer 112 and the reorienting layer 116. The birefringent layer 602 may impart spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light such that the third light and the fourth light are coincident when exiting the faraday rotator layer 112, the third light is at an angle relative to the fourth light within the birefringent layer 602, and the third light and the fourth light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer 602 and the redirection layer 116.

The birefringent layer 602 positioned in the first and second paths may impart a spatial separation between the first and second paths such that the first and second paths coincide between the optical fiber 102 and the birefringent layer 602 (e.g., from the optical fiber 102, through the optional focusing layer 110, and through the faraday rotator layer 112, to a first surface of the birefringent layer 602 facing the faraday rotator layer 112). The first path may be at an angle relative to a second path within the birefringent layer 602 (e.g., from a first surface of the birefringent layer 602 to a second surface of the birefringent layer 602 opposite the first surface). The first and second paths may be parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer 602 and the at least one grating coupler (e.g., from the second surface of the birefringent layer 602, through the optional spacer layer 114, to the grating coupler at the reorienting layer 116).

For an incident light beam orthogonal to the first surface of the birefringent layer 602, the first path may correspond to a normal light ray propagating undeflected in the birefringent layer 602, while the second path may correspond to an extraordinary light ray, angularly deflected in the birefringent layer 602 towards or away from the Optical Axis (OA). For a positively uniaxially birefringent material, such as rutile, the extraordinary rays are angularly deflected toward the Optical Axis (OA). For negative uniaxially birefringent materials, such as calcite and lithium niobate, the extraordinary rays are angularly deflected away from the Optical Axis (OA). In fig. 6 and subsequent figures, the birefringent layer 602 is formed from one or more positive uniaxial materials. It should be understood that a negative uniaxial material may alternatively be used for the birefringent layer 602. For positive and negative uniaxial materials, the angular deflection lies in the plane formed by the optical axis (OA; FIG. 7) of the birefringent layer 602 and the longitudinal axis (LA; FIG. 7) orthogonal to the plane of the reorienting layer 116. In some examples, the birefringent layer 602 may include calcite, which has a relatively large birefringence. In some examples, the birefringent layer 602 may comprise calcite or lithium niobate, which are typically available in wafer form from which sheets may be divided to form a layered structure. In some examples, the first birefringent layer 602 may comprise rutile, which is also commonly available in wafers, and may optionally be deposited directly on the wafer of the photonic integrated circuit.

Additionally, the redirection layer 116 may include two single polarization grating couplers 604, 606 having a spatial separation that matches the spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light. The first of the two single polarization grating couplers 604 may redirect the third light to propagate along the first redirection path 120. The second of the two single polarization grating couplers 606 may redirect the fourth light to propagate along the second redirection path 122.

In some examples, the first redirection path 120 may lie in a plane formed by the Optical Axis (OA) of the birefringent layer and a Longitudinal Axis (LA) orthogonal to the plane of the redirection layer 116. In some examples, the second redirection path 122 may be orthogonal to a plane formed by the Optical Axis (OA) and the Longitudinal Axis (LA). In some examples, the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light may have respective polarization orientations parallel to a plane of the redirection layer 116 on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122.

Fig. 7 shows the path and polarization state of incident light (e.g., light propagating from an optical fiber to a waveguide). Fig. 8 shows the path and polarization state of the returning light (e.g., light propagating from the waveguide to the fiber). The faraday rotator 112 can ensure that light from the fiber can propagate to the waveguide and return to the fiber in an orthogonal polarization state. The birefringent layer 602 may spatially separate two orthogonal polarization states. The spatially separated polarization states may allow the use of two single polarization grating couplers 604, 606, which may have improved coupling efficiency over comparable single polarization grating couplers.

The planar redirection layer 116 located in the first and second paths may include two single polarization grating couplers 604, 606 having a spatial separation matching the spatial separation between the first and second paths. A first of the two single polarization grating couplers 604 may redirect the first and third light beams such that the first path extends within the redirection layer 116 on the first redirection path 120 toward the first waveguide 106 (e.g., from the first waveguide 106 toward which the first single polarization grating coupler is within the redirection layer 116). The second of the two single polarization grating couplers 606 may redirect the second and fourth light beams such that the second path extends within the redirection layer 116 on the second redirection path 122 toward the second waveguide 108 (e.g., from the second single polarization grating coupler within the redirection layer 116 toward the second waveguide 108). Second redirection path 122 may be angled with respect to first redirection path 120. In some examples, second redirection path 122 is orthogonal to first redirection path 120.

In some examples, the first and second light beams have respective polarization orientations parallel to the plane of the redirection layer 116 on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122. In other examples, the first and second light beams may have respective polarization orientations on the first and second redirection paths 120, 122 that are perpendicular to the plane of the redirection layer 116 or at an angle to another suitable orientation.

In the configuration of fig. 6-8, the optical fiber 102, optional focusing layer 110, faraday rotator layer 112, optional spacer layer 114, first waveguide 106, and second waveguide 108 are identical in structure and function to the configuration of fig. 1-3.

Figure 9 illustrates an example of two single polarization grating couplers 604A, 606A suitable for use in the device 600 of figures 6-8, according to some embodiments.

The first of the two single polarization grating couplers 604A may include a first region in which the refractive index varies periodically. The periodic variation of the first region may be oriented orthogonal to the first redirection path 120. The size of the first area may be larger than the footprint 902 of the first and third beams at the first single polarization grating coupler 604A.

The second 606A of the two single polarization grating couplers may include a second region in which the refractive index varies periodically. The periodic variation of the second region may be oriented orthogonal to the second redirection path 122. The size of the second region may be larger than the footprint 904 of the second and fourth beams at the second single polarization grating coupler 606A.

Figure 10 illustrates another example of two single polarization grating couplers 604B, 606B suitable for use in the device 600 of figures 6-8, in accordance with some embodiments.

The two single polarization grating couplers 604B, 606B of fig. 10 have the additional feature that the periodic variation in refractive index may be curved in shape, as compared to the two single polarization grating couplers 604A, 606A of fig. 9. The curvature may focus the first and second beams onto longitudinal ends of the first and second waveguides 106, 108, respectively. In particular, in the first region, the periodic variation may be curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to focus the first optical beam onto a longitudinal end of the first waveguide 106. In the second region, the periodic variation may be curved in shape, with the curvature configured to focus the second optical beam onto the longitudinal end of the second waveguide 108. The focusing effect of this curvature may add to or replace the focusing function of the optional focusing layer 110.

A potential improvement over the configuration of fig. 6-8 is to use the faraday rotator layer 112 after the birefringent layer 602 rather than before the birefringent layer 602. Doing so will rotate the polarization of the light directed back into the birefringent layer 602. For example, incident light in ordinary light will become extraordinary light in returning light. Thus, the unwanted returning light will pass through a different path within the birefringent layer 602 than back on itself. This allows the device to direct the returning light to a physical location remote from the optical fiber. In addition to rotating the plane of polarization, directing the returning light away from the fiber can significantly reduce the coupling efficiency back into the fiber, which can provide an additional degree of optical isolation for the coupling device.

Fig. 11 shows an example of another device 1100 that may couple incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide, but may reduce coupling of return light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, according to some embodiments. FIG. 12 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of FIG. 11, according to some embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus of FIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments. Fig. 11-13 will be discussed in tandem.

In the configuration of fig. 11-13, the optical fiber 102, optional focusing layer 110, optional spacing layer 114, first waveguide 106, and second waveguide 108 are identical in structure and function to the configuration of fig. 6-8. In contrast to the configurations of fig. 6-8, the structure of the birefringent layer 602 and the faraday rotator layer 112 may be identical, but switched in position. In the configuration of FIGS. 11-13, the birefringent layer 602 is located between the Faraday rotator layer 112 and the optical fiber 102 along the first and second paths.

In the configuration of fig. 11-13, birefringent layer 602 may be positioned such that faraday rotator layer 112 is located between birefringent layer 602 and reorienting layer 116. The birefringent layer 602 may impart a spatial separation between the first and second lights such that the first and second lights coincide before entering the birefringent layer 602, the first light is angled with respect to the second light within the birefringent layer 602, and the first and second lights are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer 602 and the faraday rotator layer 112.

In the configuration of fig. 11-13, the redirection layer 116 may include two single polarization grating couplers 604, 606 with spatial separation matching the spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light. The first of the two single polarization grating couplers 604 may redirect the third light to propagate along the first redirection path 120. The second of the two single polarization grating couplers 606 may redirect the fourth light to propagate along the second redirection path 122.

In a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 9, a first of the two single polarization grating couplers 604 may include a first region in which the refractive index varies periodically. The periodic variation of the first region may be oriented orthogonal to the first redirection path 120. The second of the two single polarization grating couplers 606 may include a second region in which the refractive index varies periodically. The periodic variation of the second region may be oriented orthogonal to the second redirection path 122.

In a manner similar to that shown in fig. 10, in the first region, the periodic variation may be curved in shape with a curvature configured to focus the redirected third light onto the longitudinal end of the first waveguide. In the second region, the periodic variation may be curved in shape, with the curvature configured to focus the redirected fourth light onto the longitudinal end of the second waveguide.

As best shown in fig. 12 and 13, the first redirection path 120 may be at a 45 degree angle with respect to a plane formed by the Optical Axis (OA) of the birefringent layer 602 and a Longitudinal Axis (LA) orthogonal to the plane of the redirection layer 116. The second redirection path 122 may be at a forty-five degree angle with respect to a plane formed by the Optical Axis (OA) and the Longitudinal Axis (LA) of the birefringent layer 116. On the first and second redirection paths 120, 122, the first and second light beams may have respective polarization orientations parallel to the plane of the redirection layer 116. Alternatively, the first and second redirection paths may be at 90 degrees to the orientations shown in fig. 12 and 13, and the first and second light beams may have respective polarization orientations orthogonal to the plane of the redirection layer 116.

The configurations of fig. 11-13 additionally change the physical optical path traversed by the returning light 1304 in the birefringent layer 602, which may allow the device to direct the returning light 1304 away from the physical location of the optical fiber, as compared to the configurations of fig. 6-8. Note that in fig. 13, the fiber will be positioned directly above the grating coupler 604, such that light from both grating couplers 604, 606 is directed away from the fiber location. Directing the return light 1304 away from the fiber can significantly reduce coupling back into the fiber. This may provide an additional degree of optical isolation for the coupling device 1100 in addition to rotating the plane of polarization.

It is beneficial to consider how the devices of fig. 1-3, 6-8 and 11-13 can be used in transmitting and receiving devices.

For the configurations discussed above and shown in the figures, three devices may be considered receiving elements. Each of the devices may receive a signal from an optical fiber and may direct the received signal to an appropriate waveguide. For these devices, the fiber-to-waveguide path may be considered the incident path and the waveguide-to-fiber path may be considered the return path.

In the context of a receiving element, light propagating along the return path (e.g., from the waveguide to the optical fiber) is undesirable. The above-described device rotates the plane of polarization of the light along the return path, which helps reduce feedback effects. Specifically, if light having a first polarization state is received from the optical fiber, the light propagates from the optical fiber to the waveguide, reflects from the waveguide, and propagates back to the optical fiber, the returning light having a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. In addition, the apparatus of FIGS. 11-13 further impart a physical displacement to the returning light such that the light returning to the optical fiber is displaced away from the optical fiber.

These devices may also be used as transmitting elements. For transmission, the signal originates from a waveguide, rather than an optical fiber. The signal propagates along an incident path from the waveguide to the fiber for coupling into the fiber and out of the device. Reflections from the fiber (e.g., from the waveguide, to the fiber, and back to the waveguide) are undesirable.

All the devices shown above may be modified to serve as transmission elements. For example, the device shown in fig. 11 can be modified to act as a transmission element by changing the orientation of the two grating couplers. In particular, each grating coupler may be rotated 90 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the reorienting layer. Fig. 14 and 15 track the light beam passing through the improved device.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example of incident light propagating through the device of fig. 11 when the device of fig. 11 is configured as a transmission element, in accordance with some embodiments.

In the geometry of the configuration of fig. 14, the first light may be guided into the device by a first waveguide and may propagate along a first optical path 1420 towards a first grating coupler 1404. The first light may have a polarization state orthogonal to the plane of incidence at the first grating coupler 1404, consistent with how the single polarization grating couplers 604, 606 are used. Similarly, the second light may be guided into the device through a second waveguide and may propagate along a second optical path 1422 towards the second grating coupler 1406. The second light may have a polarization state orthogonal to the plane of incidence at the second grating coupler 1406, consistent with how the single polarization grating couplers 604, 606 are used. The first and second grating couplers 1404, 1406 redirect the first and second light to the faraday rotator layer 112. Faraday rotator layer 112 may rotate the respective planes of polarization of the first and second light by 45 degrees with a first handedness to form third and fourth light, respectively. The birefringent layer 602 may direct the third light as an extraordinary ray through the birefringent layer 602 and the fourth light as an ordinary ray through the birefringent layer 602. After passing through the birefringent layer 602, the third and fourth lights coincide at location 1402 and may each be coupled to an optical fiber.

Fig. 15 illustrates an example of return light propagating through the apparatus of fig. 11 when the apparatus of fig. 11 is configured as a transmission element, in accordance with some embodiments. The returning light, shown at location 1502 in fig. 15, has returned from the fiber without the fiber having changed its polarization state.

Light passing through the first grating coupler 1404 in the incident direction may return to the first grating coupler 1404 in a return direction, but with a polarization orientation orthogonal to the incident direction. Similarly, light passing through the second grating coupler 1406 in the incident direction may return to the second grating coupler 1406 in a return direction, but in a polarization orientation orthogonal to the incident direction. In both cases, the light returns with a polarization orientation that is parallel to the plane of incidence at the first and second grating couplers 1404, 1406.

In general, as described above, it is difficult to design a grating coupler to have high coupling efficiency for two different polarization states. The single polarization grating coupler shown herein can be designed to have high coupling efficiency for only one polarization state, regardless of the orthogonal polarization state. The grating couplers 1404, 1406 may be designed as single polarization grating couplers so that they have high coupling efficiency for light in the incident path. For the configuration of fig. 15, it may be desirable to have a relatively low coupling efficiency for light polarization parallel to the plane of incidence of the grating coupler. This relatively low coupling efficiency may advantageously reduce the amount of light directed back into the waveguide along paths 1520 and 1522.

Thus, the configurations of fig. 14 and 15 may achieve isolation through two mechanisms: the polarization state of the returning light is rotated by 90 degrees and the intensity of the returning light is reduced by using a grating coupler with an intentionally low coupling efficiency of a particular polarization state.

Fig. 16 shows an example of a method 1600 for coupling incident light from an optical fiber into a waveguide and reducing coupling of return light from the waveguide into the optical fiber, in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the method of fig. 16 may be used to couple a first light beam having a first polarization orientation from an optical fiber into a first waveguide along a first path, couple a second light beam having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization from the optical fiber into a second waveguide along a second path, reduce coupling of a third light beam having the first polarization orientation from the first waveguide into the optical fiber along the first path, and reduce coupling of a fourth light beam having the second polarization orientation from the second waveguide into the optical fiber along the second path. Such a method may be performed by any of the devices shown in fig. 1-13 and discussed above. The method 1600 of FIG. 16 is but one example of such a method; other methods may also be used.

At operation 1602, the Faraday rotator layer can receive the first light and the second light. The first light may have a first polarization orientation. The second light may have a second polarization orientation orthogonal to the first polarization orientation.

At operation 1604, the faraday rotator layer can propagate the first light through the faraday rotator layer to form third light. The third light may have a third polarization orientation that is at a 45 degree angle relative to the first polarization orientation.

In operation 1606, the faraday rotator layer may propagate the second light through the faraday rotator layer to form fourth light. The fourth light may have a fourth polarization orientation at a 45 degree angle relative to the second polarization orientation.

At operation 1608, a planar redirection layer including at least one grating coupler may redirect the third light to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer and redirect the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path within the redirection layer. The second redirection path may be angled relative to the first redirection path.

In some examples, such as the configurations shown in fig. 1-3, the first light and the second light may coincide along a single optical path. The redirection layer may comprise a dual polarization grating coupler. The dual polarization grating coupler may redirect the third light to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer and redirect the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path within the redirection layer.

In some examples, such as the configurations shown in fig. 6-8, the first light and the second light may coincide along a single optical path. A birefringent layer may be located between the faraday rotator layer and the reorienting layer. The birefringent layer may impart spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light such that the third light and the fourth light coincide upon exiting the faraday rotator layer, the third light is at an angle relative to the fourth light within the birefringent layer, and the third light and the fourth light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the redirecting layer.

In some examples, such as the configurations shown in fig. 11-13, the birefringent layer can be positioned such that the faraday rotator layer is located between the birefringent layer and the reorienting layer. The birefringent layer may impart a spatial separation between the first light and the second light such that the first light and the second light coincide prior to entering the birefringent layer, the first light is at an angle relative to the second light within the birefringent layer, and the first light and the second light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the faraday rotator layer.

To further illustrate the apparatus and related methods disclosed herein, the following provides a non-limiting list of examples. Each of the following non-limiting examples may exist independently, or may be combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other examples.

In example 1, an apparatus may include a faraday rotator layer configured to: receiving first light having a first polarization orientation, receiving second light having a second polarization orientation orthogonal to the first polarization orientation, propagating the first light through the faraday rotator layer to form third light having a third polarization orientation at a 45 degree angle relative to the first polarization orientation, and propagating the second light through the faraday rotator layer to form fourth light having a fourth polarization orientation at a forty-five degree angle relative to the second polarization orientation; and a planar redirection layer comprising at least one grating coupler, the redirection layer configured to redirect the third light to propagate within the redirection layer along a first redirection path, and redirect the fourth light to propagate within the redirection layer along a second redirection path, the second redirection path being angled with respect to the first redirection path.

In example 2, the device of example 1 may optionally be configured such that the first redirection path is orthogonal to the second redirection path.

In example 3, the device of any of examples 1-2 may optionally be configured such that, on the first and second redirection paths, the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light have respective polarization orientations parallel to a plane of the redirection layer.

In example 4, the device of any of examples 1-3 optionally further comprises a focusing layer configured to: the method further includes imparting convergence onto the first light such that the redirected third light is focused onto the longitudinal end of the first waveguide, and imparting convergence onto the second light such that the redirected fourth light is focused onto the longitudinal end of the second waveguide.

In example 5, the apparatus of any of examples 1-4 may optionally be configured such that the first light and the second light coincide along a single optical path; and the redirection layer includes a dual polarization grating coupler configured to redirect the third light to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer and redirect the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path within the redirection layer.

In example 6, the apparatus of any of examples 1-5 may optionally be configured such that the dual polarization grating coupler includes regions of periodic variation in refractive index in two directions, a first of the two directions being orthogonal to the first redirection path and a second of the two directions being orthogonal to the second redirection path.

In example 7, the apparatus of any of examples 1-6 may optionally be configured such that the periodic variation of the refractive index is curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to: the redirected third light is focused onto a longitudinal end of the first waveguide and the redirected fourth light is focused onto a longitudinal end of the second waveguide.

In example 8, the apparatus of any of examples 1-7 may optionally be configured such that the first light and the second light coincide along a single optical path; and further comprising a birefringent layer between the faraday rotator layer and the redirection layer, the birefringent layer configured to impart a spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light such that: the third light and the fourth light coincide upon exiting the Faraday rotator layer, the third light is at an angle with respect to the fourth light within the birefringent layer, and the third light and the fourth light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the redirection layer.

In example 9, the apparatus of any of examples 1-8 may optionally be configured such that the redirection layer comprises two single polarization grating couplers having a spatial separation matching a spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light, a first single polarization grating coupler of the two single polarization grating couplers configured to redirect the third light to propagate along a first redirection path, a second single polarization grating coupler of the two single polarization grating couplers configured to redirect the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path, a first single polarization grating coupler of the two single polarization grating couplers comprising a first region in which the refractive index varies periodically, the periodic variation of the first region orthogonal to the first redirection path, the second single polarization grating coupler of the two single polarization grating couplers comprising a second region in which the refractive index varies periodically, the periodic variation of the second region is oriented orthogonal to the second redirection path.

In example 10, the device of any of examples 1-9 may optionally be configured such that in the first region, the periodic variation is curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to focus the redirected third light onto a longitudinal end in the first waveguide, and in the second region, the periodic variation is curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to focus the redirected fourth light onto a longitudinal end of the second waveguide.

In example 11, the device of any of examples 1-10 may optionally be configured such that the first redirection path lies in a plane formed by an optical axis of the birefringent layer and a longitudinal axis orthogonal to a plane of the redirection layer; the second redirected path is orthogonal to a plane formed by the optical axis and the longitudinal axis; and the redirected third light and the redirected fourth light have respective polarization orientations parallel to a plane of the redirecting layer on the first and second redirection paths.

In embodiment 12, the apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-11 may optionally further comprise a birefringent layer positioned such that the faraday rotator layer is between the birefringent layer and the reorienting layer, the birefringent layer configured to impart spatial separation between the first light and the second light such that: the first light and the second light are coincident before entering the birefringent layer, the first light is at an angle relative to the second light within the birefringent layer, and the first light and the second light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the faraday rotator layer, wherein: the redirection layer comprises two single polarization grating couplers with a spatial separation matching the spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light; a first of the two single polarization grating couplers is configured to redirect the third light to propagate along a first redirection path; a second of the two single polarization grating couplers is configured to redirect the fourth light to propagate along a second redirected path; a first of the two single polarization grating couplers includes a first region in which the refractive index varies periodically, the periodic variation of the first region being oriented orthogonal to the first redirection path; a second of the two single polarization grating couplers includes a second region in which the refractive index varies periodically, the periodic variation of the second region being oriented orthogonal to the second reorientation path; the first redirection path is at a 45 degree angle relative to a plane formed by the optical axis of the birefringent layer and a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the plane of the redirection layer; the second reorientation path is at an angle of 45 degrees relative to a plane formed by the optical axis and the longitudinal axis of the birefringent layer; the first and second light beams have respective polarization orientations parallel to the plane of the redirection layer on the first and second redirection paths.

In example 13, the device of any of examples 1-12 may optionally be configured such that in the first region, the periodic variation is curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to focus the redirected third light onto a longitudinal end of the first waveguide, and in the second region, the periodic variation is curved in shape, wherein the curvature is configured to focus the redirected fourth light onto a longitudinal end of the second waveguide.

In example 14, a method may include receiving, at a faraday rotator layer, first light having a first polarization orientation and second light having a second polarization orientation orthogonal to the first polarization orientation; propagating the first light through a Faraday rotator layer to form third light having a third polarization orientation that is at a 45 degree angle relative to the first polarization orientation; propagating the second light through the Faraday rotator layer to form fourth light having a fourth polarization orientation that is at a 45 degree angle relative to the second polarization orientation; and redirecting, with a planar redirection layer comprising at least one grating coupler, the third light to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer and redirecting the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path within the redirection layer, the second redirection path being at an angle relative to the first redirection path.

In example 15, the method of example 14 may optionally be configured such that the first light and the second light coincide along a single optical path; wherein the redirection layer comprises a dual polarization grating coupler, and further comprising redirecting the third light to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer and redirecting the fourth light to propagate along a second redirection path within the redirection layer using the dual polarization grating coupler.

In example 16, the method of any of examples 14-15 may optionally be configured such that the first light and the second light coincide along a single optical path; further comprising: imparting spatial separation between the third light and the fourth light with a birefringent layer between the Faraday rotator layer and the reorienting layer such that: the third light and the fourth light are coincident upon exiting the Faraday rotator layer, the third light is at an angle relative to the fourth light within the birefringent layer, and the third light and the fourth light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the redirecting layer.

In embodiment 17, the method of any one of examples 14-16 may optionally further comprise imparting spatial separation between the first light and the second light with the birefringent layer positioned such that the faraday rotator layer is between the birefringent layer and the redirection layer such that: the first light and the second light are coincident before entering the birefringent layer, the first light is angled with respect to the second light within the birefringent layer, and the first light and the second light are parallel and spatially separated between the birefringent layer and the faraday rotator layer.

In example 18, a layered optical device may include a birefringent layer configured to receive light along a single optical path and to spatially separate the received light into first and second beams, the first and second beams having polarization states that are orthogonal to each other; a Faraday rotator layer configured to: rotating the polarization plane of the first beam by 45 degrees to form a third beam and rotating the polarization plane of the second beam by 45 degrees to form a fourth beam, the third and fourth beams having polarization states orthogonal to each other; and a planar redirection layer comprising: a first grating coupler configured to redirect the third light beam to propagate along a first redirection path within the redirection layer; a second grating coupler configured to redirect the fourth light beam to propagate within the redirection layer along a second redirection path, the first and second redirection paths being orthogonal to each other.

In example 19, the layered optical device of example 18 may optionally be configured such that the first grating coupler is configured such that the third optical beam has a polarization state orthogonal to a plane formed by the third optical beam and the first redirection path; and the second grating coupler is configured such that the fourth light beam has a polarization state orthogonal to a plane formed by the fourth light beam and the second redirection path.

In example 20, the layered optical device of any of examples 18-19 may optionally be configured such that the first grating coupler is configured such that the third light beam has a polarization state parallel to a plane formed by the third light beam and the first redirection path; and the second grating coupler is configured such that the fourth light beam has a polarization state parallel to a plane formed by the fourth light beam and the second redirection path.