An optical tap is provided that includes an input waveguide having a first width
for receiving an optical signal and a tap waveguide having a second width. The
tap waveguide is coupled to the input waveguide in a junction region. An output
waveguide, which has a third width, is coupled to the input waveguide in the junction
region defined by the intersection of the input and tap waveguides. The input waveguide,
tap waveguide and output waveguide respectively have input, tap and output longitudinal,
centrally disposed optical axes. The input and tap axes define a first acute angle
therebetween and the input and output axes define a second acute angle therebetween.
A tapping ratio is defined by a ratio of optical output power from the tap waveguide
to optical output power from the output waveguide. The tapping ratio is determined
at least in part by the first, second and third widths and the first and second
angles. The first, second and third widths and the first and second angles have
values selected to produce a specified tapping ratio.
