Patent ID: 8731349
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An integrated photonic device operatively coupled with an optical element configured to guide light in a first coupling direction perpendicular to the integrated photonic device, the integrated photonic device comprising: an integrated photonic waveguide comprising a core layer having top surface and a bottom surface, the integrated photonic waveguide being disposed on a substrate with its bottom surface facing the substrate; a grating coupler formed in the top surface of the core layer of the integrated photonic waveguide, the grating coupler being adapted for diffracting light from the core layer of the waveguide into a second coupling direction different from the first coupling direction; and a refractive element disposed adjacent the top surface of the core layer of the integrated photonic waveguide such that the grating is between the core layer of the waveguide and the refractive element, the refractive element being integrated with the grating coupler and adapted to refract the light emerging from the grating coupler in the second coupling direction into the first coupling direction, the refractive element having a refractive index different from the material of the grating, wherein the first coupling direction is perpendicular to an average plane of the substrate on which the waveguide is disposed.