Study of an optical power splitter with high power capacity using prism coupling and tapered waveguides.

摘要

This work studies an optical power splitter design that can, in theory, efficiently split high power beams of light. This design uses a prism coupler geometry to couple power into a planar waveguide and tapered waveguides are used to divide the power into multiple optical fibers. During this project a realistic geometry is developed, several fabrication methods are investigated, and tests are run on the prism coupling aspect of the device.; It is found that the device does not have any fundamentally limiting properties that would keep it from functioning in its intended application. However, many difficulties are encountered in the simulation and fabrication step. Suggestions are given that will help over come these difficulties to further develop this power splitter. Direction for future research is also given.