Design and fabrication of monolithic optical spot size transformers (MOSTs) for highly efficient fiber-chip coupling

A novel type of monolithic optical spot size transformer realized in the InP/InGaAsP material system combines many desirable features like high fiber-chip coupling efficiency, large spot size transformation, high tolerances for fiber alignment, simple fabrication, and straightforward integrability with other devices. The spot size transformation is accomplished by two waveguide sections tapered in the vertical and lateral directions, respectively. We discuss design issues, describe the fabrication process, give experimental results, and present the monolithic integration of the spot size transformers with a current controlled directional coupler switch.< >