Laser-fabricated low-loss single-mode raised-rib waveguiding devices in polymers

Abstract

Organic polymeric materials offer a versatile medium for the creation of low-cost large-area optical guided-wave structures. In this work, we report on the use of a novel maskless laser-based microfabrication technique for the photochemical delineation of raised-rib single-mode waveguiding devices in polymers. This technology relies on accurate control of small refractive index differences (which is achieved by using intermiscible acrylate monomers), use of high-contrast photochemical response, as well as precise control of laser writing parameters. The devices reported here have cross-sectional dimensions and numerical apertures that match single-mode glass optical fibers. They exhibit very low losses of 0.03 dB/cm at 840 nm and exceptional thermal stability. We present the operational characteristics of bends, Y-branches, and directional couplers fabricated using this technology and compare these characteristics with those predicted from theory.