Abstract
Low-loss optical-coupling structures are highly relevant for applications in fields as diverse as information and communication technologies, integrated circuits, or flexible and highly-functional polymer sensor networks. For this suitable and reliable production methods are crucial. Self-written waveguides are an interesting solution. In this work, we present a simple and efficient one-polymer approach for self-written optical connections between light-guiding structures such as single-mode and multi-mode optical fibers or waveguides that relies on self focusing of the light inside a photopolymerizing mixture. The optical connections are produced in a two-step process by writing into monomer resin using cw laser light in the blue wavelength range and subsequent UV curing. Since only one photopolymerizing resin is required, we reduced the fabrication complexity compared to previous approaches to obtain a waveguide embedded in a rigid cladding material. We discuss the production method, the results obtained as function of relevant process parameters such as writing speed or curing time, and evaluate optical properties and coupling efficiencies.
© 2015 Optical Society of America
Full Article | PDF ArticleMore Like This
Monali Suar, Oliver Melchert, Maik Rahlves, and Bernhard Roth
Opt. Express 27(26) 38326-38336 (2019)
Jeroen Missinne, Stefano Beri, Mamoni Dash, Sangram Keshari Samal, Peter Dubruel, Jan Watté, and Geert Van Steenberge
Opt. Mater. Express 4(7) 1324-1335 (2014)
Haoyu Li, Yongkang Dong, Pengbai Xu, Yue Qi, Changliang Guo, and John T. Sheridan
Opt. Lett. 40(13) 2981-2984 (2015)