Laser direct writing of short-range interconnect interfacing structures

We give an overview of our recent progress on interfacing components for short-reach optical interconnects fabricated through two-photon polymerization-based laser direct writing. We show mode field conversion tapers printed on single-mode optical fibers for easy and efficient interfacing to various photonic integrated circuits, circular and square planar waveguide structures with V-groove inspired alignment structures for easy coupling to fibers, and fan-out diffractive optical elements. For all these components, we present the process flow from optical design and simulation over laser direct writing fabrication and metrology to proof-of-concept demonstration.