Creating 3D printed optical micro-bridges between fiber optics/ silicon photonic chips, simplifying interface/ reducing energy consumption

https://phys.org/news/2026-03-3d-links-fiber-optics-photonic.html

"difficult/ costly aligning fragile glass fibers with microscopic circuits on chip using butt-coupling or grating couplers, with high signal loss... overcome nanoprinting (2-photon lithography) polymer-based  ramp/ bridge optical waveguide onto chip's surface... captures light from overhead fiber, funnels it into chip's horizontal pathways significantly relaxing alignment requirements making mass assembly faster/ cheaper... vertical coupling enables much higher density... optical backplanes replacing electrical buses"