Patent ID: 10422957

Abstract:
Methods and systems for a low-loss optical Y-Junction power splitter are disclosed and may include a semiconductor die having an optical Y-junction. The optical Y-junction may comprise an input waveguide, two or more output waveguides, a taper region and a step feature. The input waveguide and the taper region may include a smooth transition between the input waveguide and the taper region, and the step feature may be between the taper region and the output waveguides. The semiconductor die may receive an optical signal in the input waveguide, and communicate substantially equal power optical signals to the output waveguides. The semiconductor die may comprise a photonically-enabled silicon CMOS integrated circuit. An optical signal may be received in each of the output waveguides and a summed output signal may be communicated to the input waveguide. The step feature may extend in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the output waveguides.