Coupling $Si_3N_4$ waveguide to SOI waveguide using transformation optics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel coupling method using transformation optics and graded photonic crystals to efficiently connect $Si_3N_4$ and SOI waveguides, achieving low loss in simulations.

Contribution

It presents a new coupler design based on Luneburg lens principles and transformation optics for efficient waveguide interfacing.

Findings

Achieves an average coupling loss of 0.13 dB in simulations

Uses graded photonic crystals for implementation

Demonstrates effective coupling in the C-band

Abstract

Silicon nitride ($Si_3N_4$) planar waveguide platform combined with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices offer a whole new generation of system-on-chip applications. Therefore, efficient coupling of an $Si_3N_4$ waveguide to an SOI waveguide is essential. We present a coupler to interface a 1.8 $\mu m$-wide $Si_3N_4$ waveguide to a 0.5 $\mu m$-wide SOI waveguide based on the focusing property of the Luneburg lens. In order to match the refractive indices of the waveguides with the edges of the lens, one side of the lens is flattened with quasi-conformal transformation optics. The designed coupler is implemented by graded photonic crystals. The three-dimensional numerical simulations indicate that the 1.93 $\mu m$-long coupler has an average coupling loss of 0.13 dB in the C-band.