Abstract

Several schemes have been proposed for implementing array illuminators,^1-4) which are used to distribute optical power to an array of optical logic gates or bistable devices that require optical power supplies. The schemes reported so far are based on assembling bulk optical elements such as Damman gratings¹⁾ or lenslet arrays³⁾. In these schemes, relatively large spaces between optical elements (and between optical elements and devices, as well) constitute an essential part of the illuminating system because optical power is distributed by propagating light through these spaces. The system, therefore, tends to lack compactness, and alignments and stabilities of the total system may become a critical issue as the system grows complex. To solve these problems, we take an alternative approach based on integrated optics. In this paper, we propose to use grating couplers^5),6) to generate an array of many beamlets.

© 1989 Optical Society of America