Self-aligned micro-optic integrated photonic platform

Abstract

In this work, we present the fabrication technology of a monolithically integrated photonic platform combining key components for optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, thereby including a photonic interferometer, a collimating lens, and a 45° reflecting mirror that directs the light from the interferometer to the collimator. The proposed integration process simplifies the fabrication of an interferometric system and inherently overcomes the complexity of costly alignment procedures while complying with the necessarily stringent optical constraints. Fabricated waveguide characterization shows total optical losses as low as 3 dB, and less than 1 dB of additional loss due to the Si 45° mirror facet. The alignment standard deviation of all components is within 15 nm. The integrated lens profile achieves a divergence angle smaller than 0.7°, which is close to that of a collimator. The proposed photonic platform provides the premise for low-cost and small-footprint single-chip OCT systems.