Hybrid sphere-waveguide resonators

Abstract

Microresonators, such as a microsphere resonators (312) and planar microresonators (612), are optically coupled to waveguides (304, 604) for input and output of light. It is important that the relative positions of the microresonator and the waveguide are maintained stable, while still maintaining high cavity Q and ease of launching and extracting the optical beams. Structures (308, 608) are provided on a substrate that are useful for maintaining the position of the microresonator relative to the waveguide. The structures provide for vertical or horizontal coupling between the waveguide and the microresonator.

Description

Invention field [0001] The present invention relates generally to optical devices, and more specifically to passive and active optical devices based on miniature resonators, such as optical sensors, optical filters, and miniature lasers. Background technique [0002] In photoelectric and sensing applications including biosensing, dielectric microresonators have attracted more and more attention. The common configuration of micro-resonators includes glass microspheres, the diameter of which is generally 20μm to several millimeters, and the microspheres are placed near the optical waveguide, for example, after heating and sharpening or etching into a total thickness of 1-5μm Optical fiber. [0003] Here, the tapered deformation of the fiber creates a considerable light field intensity outside the fiber, so light can couple into the microsphere and excite its natural mode (eigenmode), which is usually called whispering gallery mode (WGM) . When the micro-resonator is made of low-los...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This approach maintains the high Q of the glass spheres, but does not solve the problem of how to precisely control the coupling between the microspheres and the waveguide

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