Compact and efficient large cross-section SOI rib waveguide taper optimized by a genetic algorithm

摘要

A genetic algorithm is applied to optimize a taper between a large cross-section silicon-on-insulator (SOI) rib waveguide and a single-mode fiber to achieve an ultra-compact and highly efficient coupling structure. The coupling efficiency is taken as the objective function of the genetic algorithm in the taper optimization process. To apply the optimization algorithm, the taper is segmented into several sections. Three encoding forms and a two-step optimization strategy are adopted in the optimization process, resulting in a 10μm long taper with a coupling efficiency of 93.30% in quasi-TE mode at 1550nm. The characteristics of the optimized taper including the field profile, spectrum and fabrication tolerances in both horizontal and vertical directions are investigated via a three dimensional eigenmode expansion (EME) method, indicating that the optimized taper is compatible with the prevailing integrated circuit (IC) processing technology.