Ultra-high coupling efficiency of MEMS tunable laser via 3-dimensional micro-optical coupling system

J. F. Tao, A. B. Yu, H. Cai, W. M. Zhu, Q. X. Zhang, J. Wu, K. Xu, J. T. Lin, A. Q. Liu

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper reports a 3-dimensional (3D) micro-optical coupling system for improving coupling efficiency in the Littrow configured micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) tunable lasers. In the coupling system, an optical fiber acts as a rod lens for light convergence in the vertical plane, while a deep-etched silicon parabolic mirror confines the light in the horizontal plane. Compared with previous MEMS lasers without any light focusing or only one-directional focusing mechanism, the proposed 3D micro-optical system allows longer external cavity length and provides higher coupling efficiency. A prototype is fabricated on a SOI-wafer with an etching depth of 100 μm. The laser obtains a coupling efficiency as high as 76.5%, which is much higher than typical value of 3% - 50% in previous designs. The laser has dimensions as small as 3 mm × 3.2 mm in single-chip integration. It achieves large tuning range of 48.3 nm within 1 ms tuning speed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2011 IEEE 24th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2011
Pages13-16
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event24th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2011 - Cancun, Mexico
Duration: 23 Jan 201127 Jan 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Conference

Conference24th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2011
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityCancun
Period23/01/1127/01/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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