Dietrich, P.-I.P.-I.DietrichBlaicher, M.M.BlaicherReuter, I.I.ReuterBillah, M.M.BillahHoose, T.T.HooseHofmann, A.A.HofmannCaer, C.C.CaerDangel, R.R.DangelOffrein, B.B.OffreinTroppenz, U.U.TroppenzMoehrle, M.M.MoehrleFreude, W.W.FreudeKoos, C.C.Koos2022-03-052022-03-052018https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/25691210.1038/s41566-018-0133-4Hybrid photonic integration combines complementary advantages of different material platforms, offering superior performance and flexibility compared with monolithic approaches. This applies in particular to multi-chip concepts, where components can be individually optimized and tested. The assembly of such systems, however, requires expensive high-precision alignment and adaptation of optical mode profiles. We show that these challenges can be overcome by in situ printing of facet-attached beam-shaping elements. Our approach allows precise adaptation of vastly dissimilar mode profiles and permits alignment tolerances compatible with cost-efficient passive assembly techniques. We demonstrate a selection of beam-shaping elements at chip and fibre facets, achieving coupling efficiencies of up to 88% between edge-emitting lasers and single-mode fibres. We also realize printed free-form mirrors that simultaneously adapt beam shape and propagation direction, and we explore multi-lens systems for beam expansion. The concept paves the way to automated assembly of photonic multi-chip systems with unprecedented performance and versatility.en621535journal article