Single-mode fiber to single-mode GaAs channel waveguide pigtailing using dual-carrier soldering technology

High quality optical fiber to OEIC pigtailing, using non-conventional technology, is required to create a real integrated optical system for optical communications, computing, signal processing, control, and sensing. In this paper, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) presents a novel singlemode fiber to singlemode GaAs channel waveguide pigtailing approach. This pigtailing approach involves two key technologies. First, a fiber end-face lensing technology was used to improve modeprofile matching between singlemode fiber and singlemode channel waveguide, so fiber to waveguide coupling efficiency could be improved. Second, resistance layer assisted dual-carrier-soldering (RLADCS) technology was introduced to facilitate fiber and waveguide chip alignment and fixing, so accurate, convenient, and reliable fiber to optoelectronic integrated cicuit (OEIC) pigtailing could be achieved. By using radiation hardened fiber and special OEIC, this pigtailing and packaging technology has potential applications in a space environment. This publication addresses all aspects of this pigtailing approach, including theoretical analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and measurement results.