Photonic Integration Research, Inc.

C Jacob Sun

Shin Sumida

Paul Davidson

A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby integrated optical circuits having waveguide ends of lens geometry are formed which improve the waveguide's optical coupling to light sources and detectors. A channel waveguide is formed on a substrate and the waveguide ends are shaped into lens form by etching to form a protrusion and heating the waveguide to or above the softening temperature of core material of the waveguide resulting in surface tension in the core material that functions to shape the protrusion into a substantially cone-shaped lens end having a smooth surface.

Integrated optical circuit having a waveguide end of lens geometry, and

An optical waveguide forming process is disclosed which enables glass waveguides to be deposited on metalized substrates without substantial degradation of the wiring of the substrate. The process involves the use of carbon material to protect the metal wiring on or embedded in the substrate during the consolidation phase of the waveguide formation. The carbon plate reacts readily with oxygen impurities to control the oxygen partial Pressure during the consolidation phase.

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Worthington, OH, United States of America

C Jacob Sun