Efficient self-imaging grating couplers on a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform at near-visible and telecom wavelengths

Abstract

Lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) has emerged as a promising platform in the field of integrated photonics. Nonlinear optical processes and fast electro-optic modulation have been reported with outstanding performance in ultra-low loss waveguides. In order to harness the advantages offered by the LNOI technology, suitable fiber-to-chip interconnects operating at different wavelength ranges are demanded. Here we present easily manufacturable, self-imaging apodized grating couplers, featuring a coupling efficiency of the TE₀ mode as high as ≃47.1% at λ=1550 nm and ≃44.9% at λ=775 nm. Our approach avoids the use of any metal back-reflector for an improved directivity or multi-layer structures for an enhanced grating strength.