Optimization of waveguide coupling lenses with optical design software

Presented is a simple and flexible way to evaluate the coupling efficiency of systems that contain optical elements. In an effort to adapt the problem to the use of lens design software, it is demonstrated that the coupling efficiency of a system is related to the apodized scaled ratio provided a correct first-order design. Because most lens design software packages include Gaussian beam analysis implemented with ABCD matrices, they can be used to perform the paraxial design as well. Results obtained from the model are compared with experimental data for systems that contain a fair amount of aberration. Good correlation is obtained between the measured and computed coupling efficiencies.