At Vrije Universiteit Brussel, researchers have realized a 1×4 ultra-compact optical splitter for multi-core fiber systems using aligned 3D printing on a Nanoscribe Quantum X shape system.

The monolithic device integrates multimode interference couplers, adiabatic tapers, and S-bends to achieve direct, low-loss coupling from a single-core to a multi-core fiber. With a footprint of just 180 µm in length, the splitter showcases the precision and design freedom of Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP), opening new routes toward scalable, application-specific photonic integration in telecommunications, quantum technologies, and medical fiber sensing.

Discover the full project story