Theory and fabrication of 4 x 4 single-mode fused optical fiber couplers.
The theory, fabrication, and performance of monolithic 4 x 4 single-mode fused couplers is reported. The field coupling matrix is derived and used to show that a device having equal coupling between the four fibers may be obtained. The fabrication of such a device is described, and measurements show that the device exhibits excellent coupling uniformity and low excess loss. The wavelength response of a device designed for equal coupling at 1.53 microm is shown between 1.2 and 1.6 microm.