Laser direct writing of interfacing structures for short-distance optical interconnections

We give an overview of our recent progress on the design and proof-of-concept demonstration of interfacing components for short-distance optical interconnects with a particular emphasis on their fabrication through two-photon polymerization-based laser direct writing. We show mode field conversion tapers printed on single-mode optical fibers for easy and efficient interfacing to various photonic integrated circuits, circular and square planar waveguide structures with V-groove inspired alignment structures for easy coupling to fibers, microlenses and fan-out diffractive optical elements.