Monte Carlo simulation for coupling between single-mode fiber and slab waveguide with spherical fiber microlenses

Abstract

For the butt-joint coupling between a single mode fiber (SMF) and a single mode dielectric slab waveguide (SMDSW) with a spherical fiber microlens (SFML), because the SMF and the rectangular-section SMDSW have different symmetry, it is difficult to calculate the coupling efficiencies using the traditional analytic method. In this paper, a Monte Carlo model of the coupler is proposed. This model incorporates the geometrical surface of both the SFML and the SMDSW, the relative position of the SMF and the SMDSW, and both the aberration and diffraction effects into consideration. The propagation characteristics of the coupler are simulated. And the coupling efficiencies and misalignment loss are investigated.