GLASS WAVE-GUIDE 1XN BRANCHING DEVICES

We report on 1 x N branching devices for fiber-optic networks. A novel Y-pattern mask for loss reduction in branching waveguide has been investigated based on simulation. 1 x 8 branching waveguides fabricated by ion-exchange proved that the scattering loss at the branching region made with novel Y-pattern is reduced considerably. Pigtailing technique has been developed using glass fiber arrays (FAs). The fibers in FA are aligned precisely, so that all fibers can be easily and precisely put into alignment with the output ports in a branching waveguide chip at the same time. A glass plate is used for reinforcement which improves mechanical and thermal stability of the device. Reliability of packaged devices is being strongly demanded. Various reliability tests have been performed with packaged 1 x 8 branching devices and those results are presented.