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Abstract

A photonic coupling device for the efficient transfer of an optical signal to or from a photonic crystal. The element receives an optical signal from a transmitting element connected to its input end and efficiently transmits that signal to a receiving element connected to its output end. Efficient transfer is accomplished by designing the coupling element to provide a gradual transition from the propagation environment of the transmitting element to the propagation environment of the receiving element. In one embodiment, the photonic coupling device is partially embedded in a photonic crystal receiving element. In a preferred embodiment, the photonic crystal includes a defect and the optical signal propagating in the coupling device is a frequency that corresponds to a frequency associated with the photonic bandgap state of the defect. The photonic coupling device may include a tapered shape that promotes a gradual delocalization of an optical signal propagating therein into a photonic crystal receiving element, whereupon the optical signal is influenced by the photonic crystal and is preferably localized in a photonic crystal defect. In other embodiments, the photonic coupling device includes a series of holes tapered in size that act to gradually transform the environment of a propagating optical signal from that of a waveguide or photonic wire to that of a linear defect in a hole photonic crystal. Still other embodiments include photonic coupling devices having photonic grooves and tapered variations thereof, optionally in combination with a hole taper.

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First Claim