An optical coupling device for the efficient transfer of an optical signal
between optical components. The device can receive an optical signal from
a transmitting component connected to its input end and efficiently
transmit that signal to a receiving component connected to its output
end. The instant device includes a combination of two or more dielectric
materials and provides impedance matching at the input and output ends as
well as impedance conservation during propagation of the optical signal
through the device. Impedance matching at the input and output ends is
controlled through variations in the relative proportions of the
constituent dielectric materials of the device in the cross-sections of
input and output ends to achieve an effective permittivity that closely
matches that of the interconnected component. Impedance conservation
within the instant device is achieved through simultaneous variations in
the cross-sectional shape of the device and cross-sectional fill factors
of the constituent dielectric materials. The impedance conditions, in
combination with high spatial overlap at the input and output ends,
minimize losses in the power of signal transmitted between the
interconnected optical components.