Micro-optic devices for fiber-optic communications

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Abstract
A novel approach, “micro-optics”, is proposed to realize coupling/branching in fiber-optic communications. The operation is based on the beam transformation in a graded index rod (beam undulation and beam size change), in association with reflection or refraction at a graded index rod facet. Small-size couplers/dividers have been devised by inserting a semitransparent mirror between the facets of two graded index rods with a length of a quarter of the undulation period. Their best features are small size, simple structure, low insertion loss, and wide application areas. An excess insertion loss as low as 0.5 dB has been realized in a 3-dB divider with SELFOC® rods. As further applications of them, wavelength division multiplexers/demultiplexers have been developed by replacing the semitransparent mirror with a dielectric interference filter. An insertion loss of as low as 1.2 dB and isolation of more than 20 dB for wavelength separation of 20 nm have been realized. Results are also shown on the other type of micro-optic couplers/dividers.