Two-dimensional optical splitters with polymer optical fibre arrays

A novel approach for optical beam distribution into two-dimensional (2D) fibre arrays using 2D Dammann gratings is investigated. We report for the first time experimental results of a 2D optical power distribution into 2 x 2 polymer optical fibre arrays using a Dammann grating. This paper focuses on the design and fabrication of the diffractive optical element (DOE) along with investigating the coupling performance of the system. This grating may be applicable to a fibre to the home (FTTH) network as it can support sufficient channels with good output uniformity together with low polarization-dependent loss (PDL). Using an appropriate optimization algorithm, the optimum profile for the Dammann gratings can be calculated. The gratings are then fabricated on indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass using electron-beam lithography. This method shows that it can achieve low PDL and good uniformity together with acceptable insertion loss.