Demonstration of a Single-Mode Expanded-Beam Connectorized Module for Photonic Integrated Circuits

We present the optical and mechanical designs of an optically-pluggable package for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Using off-the-shelf micro-optical components, low-loss (similar to 2 dB) expanded-beam connection between an edge-coupled SiN-based PIC and standard optical fiber is demonstrated. High reproducibility of coupling efficiency is demonstrated over up to 80 mating/de-mating cycles.

Automated summary

We present the optical and mechanical designs of a pluggable package for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Using off-the-shelf micro-optical components, we demonstrate a low-loss (about 2 dB) expanded-beam connection between an edge-coupled SiN-based PIC and a standard optical fiber. The experiment shows high reproducibility of coupling efficiency over up to 80 mating/de-mating cycles.