Photonic integrated circuit edge coupler structure with reduced reflection for integrated laser diodes

Abstract

A photonic chip, an edge coupler for an integrated photonic system and a method for coupling a laser to the photonic chip. The edge coupler includes a waveguide of the photonic system having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of a waveguide of the photonic chip is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the laser. The facet of the waveguide facing the laser is at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Light is transmitted from the laser into the waveguide via the angled facet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 531,414 filed Jul. 12, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.INTRODUCTION[0002]The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for of coupling a laser beam to a photonic chip and, in particular, to reducing back-reflection at a coupling between the laser beam and the photonic chip.[0003]A chip-based LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system includes a photonic chip that uses a laser to generate light. Light from the laser enters into the photonic chip in order to pass through various systems of the photonic chip. An edge coupler is used to receive the light from the laser. However, light can be back-reflected at the edge coupler, which can degrade the linewidth and single frequency operation of the laser. In addition, such back-reflection reduces the intensity of light usable for LIDAR purposes. Acco...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a chip-based LIDAR system that includes a photonic chip with a laser that generates light. The light passes through several systems in the chip and is reflected back at the edge of the chip. This reflection is problematic because it can degrade the performance of the laser. To solve this problem, the patent proposes using an edge coupler with a designed angle that reduces the amount of reflection and maintains the intensity of light for LIDAR use. Additionally, the patent proposes using an inner and outer waveguide to transmit the light to the chip, with a tapering section in the inner waveguide to further minimize reflection and optimize the coupling of light with the chip. This solution improves the performance of the LIDAR system.

Problems solved by technology

However, light can be back-reflected at the edge coupler, which can degrade the linewidth and single frequency operation of the laser.

In addition, such back-reflection reduces the intensity of light usable for LIDAR purposes.

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