Laser coupling to single-mode fibre using graded-index lenses and compact disc 1.3 μm laser package

Abstract

A 1.3 μm laser in a compact disc package is coupled to single-mode fibre using two graded-index lenses in a nearly confocal scheme. An increase in the alignment tolerance at the lens-lens interface by a factor of six suggests the design for a potentially very low-cost connectorised laser package. The coupling efficiency of approx. 6% (−12 dB) is shown to be adequate for local loop applications.