Input light coupler using a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions
First Claim
1. An input light-coupling device comprising a dielectric structure with a dielectric layer including a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions, said pattern being arranged so as to optimally transfer at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a medium of smaller dielectric constant into said dielectric layer so that the transferred electromagnetic radiation is propagated within said dielectric layer in the in-plane direction of said dielectric layer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An input light-coupling device comprising a dielectric layer containing a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions. The pattern of dielectric contrast, which may or may not be periodic, is designed to facilitate coupling to the dielectric layer of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be propagating within a surrounding medium of lower dielectric constant than that of said dielectric layer, input at directions including normal incidence from which light cannot typically couple to the dielectric layer without the presence of the pattern of dielectric contrast. The input light may constitute an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber or in free space. Light that is in-coupled may be directed in as many directions as dictated by the symmetry of the pattern of dielectric contrast. The dielectric layer may contain output waveguides surrounding the input coupling structure. The light coupling structure may be fabricated in a dielectric layer separated from a high-dielectric substrate by a low-dielectric layer to avoid losses of the input signal to the substrate. A mirror comprising either a reflective material or alternating layers of high and low dielectric material may be disposed between the low-dielectric layer and the substrate to enhance the total input coupling to the dielectric layer containing the input coupling structure.
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Citations
24 Claims
- 1. An input light-coupling device comprising a dielectric structure with a dielectric layer including a pattern of dielectric contrast distributed in at least two dimensions, said pattern being arranged so as to optimally transfer at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a medium of smaller dielectric constant into said dielectric layer so that the transferred electromagnetic radiation is propagated within said dielectric layer in the in-plane direction of said dielectric layer.
Specification