Nanostructure-Empowered Efficient Coupling of Light into Optical Fibers at Extraordinarily Large Angles

• DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.0c01078
• Publication Date: 2020-09-25T20:40:05Z
• Authors: Oleh Yermakov; Henrik Schneidewind; Uwe Hübner; Torsten Wieduwilt; Matthias Zeisberger; Andrey Bogdanov; Yuri Kivshar; Markus A. Schmidt
• Keywords: Biophotonics; Nanophotonics

Coupling of light from free space to optical fibers is essential for many applications, while commonly used step-index provide insufficient coupling efficiencies especially at large angles incidence. Here, we demonstrate record-high achieved with dielectric nanostructures located on single-mode fiber end faces. We introduce a novel approach that allows fabricating the facet via an extended version planar electron-beam based lithography. polarization- and angle-independent into across wide range as 80°. support our experimental results analytical model extensive numerical simulations. Our reveal key properties nanostructure-empowered may improve performance devices requiring efficient collection light, including quantum technologies (single-photon collection) or biophotonics (in vivo imaging). can be other materials geometries, merging optics high-index metasurfaces, allowing unprecedented functionalities control light.