Facet-attached micro-lenses and beam-shaping elements
Hybrid photonic integration combines complementary advantages of different material platforms, offering superior performance and flexibility compared with monolithic approaches. This applies in particular to multi-chip concepts, where components can be individually optimized and tested.
P.-I. Dietrich et al., Nature Photonics volume 12, pages 241–247 (2018)
We demonstrated a selection of beam-shaping elements at chip and fiber facets, achieving coupling efficiencies of up to 88% between edge-emitting lasers and single-mode fibers. We also realized printed free-form mirrors that simultaneously adapt beam shape and propagation direction, and we explored multi-lens systems for beam expansion.
The concept paves the way to automated assembly of photonic multi-chip systems with unprecedented performance and versatility.
Also check out our recent datasheet on performance and reliability testing of 3D-printed freeform lenses!