High density optical waveguide using hybrid spiral pattern

Patent · Tue May 26 00:00:00 EDT 2020

OSTI ID:1650951

Gehl, Michael; DeRose, Christopher

A hybrid spiral waveguide geometry is proposed that exhibits essentially zero curvature (i.e., infinite bend radius) at the center of the spiral (similar to a Fermat spiral), with the curvature then increasing in value as the spiral moves outward. Advantageously, as the spiral moves away from the center, the spacing between adjacent waveguides quickly approaches a constant value (similar to an Archimedean spiral). This hybrid spiral structure has been found to allow for a high density waveguide to be created with lower loss and requiring a smaller size than many conventional spiral configurations and finds use in optical delay lines, amplifiers and arrayed waveguide gratings.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 10,663,662
• Application Number: 16/397,624
• OSTI ID: 1650951
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 04/29/2019
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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