Low-loss optical power splitter for high-definition waveguides

摘要

This invention relates to a novel design for a low-loss optical power splitter, in particular Y-branch types resulting from chemical vapor deposition (CVD) fabricated silica waveguides. More specifically, the present invention utilizes mode matching of the fundamental modes between the input and the output waveguides of a splitter to optimize the splitters operational performance. The optical power splitter of the present invention comprising an input waveguide region having a predetermined width (W) and capable of transmitting optical energy having a fundamental mode E.sub.1.sup.0. Additionally, the splitter includes at least two output waveguide regions positioned to receive at least a portion the optical energy from the input waveguide region wherein the output waveguide regions each have predetermined widths (w) and are capable of transmitting optical energy having a fundamental mode E.sub.2. sup.0 ; and wherein each pair of output waveguide regions are separated by a gap of a predetermined width (d) therebetween. Lastly, the operational performance of the splitter is enhanced in accordance with the present invention as a result of purposely selecting certain physical properties of the splitter design such that the fundamental modes E.sub.1. sup.0 and E.sub.2.sup.0 are substantially equal at the beginning of the output waveguide regions. Mode matching of the fundamental modes between the single input and the dual output waveguides of a splitting Y junction was central to achieving the improved performance.