Optimization of Interface Transmission Between Integrated Solid Core and Optofluidic Waveguides

Optofluidic waveguides have been integrated with solid core waveguides on silicon using an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) design. Interface transmission between solid and liquid core waveguides is one of the most important factors for overall optical throughput. The optimization of interface transmission by adjusting the thickness of top waveguide cladding layers was demonstrated experimentally and theoretically. The measured coupling efficiency increases from 18% to 67% and the overall throughput was improved
$17\times$
due to improved mode matching while liquid core waveguides maintain a low average loss coefficient.