Light-induced self-written three-dimensional optical waveguide

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) optical waveguides were fabricated in a photopolymerizing resin mixture solution by using a multimode optical fiber, without any moving parts. The core portion has formed by the selective photopolymerization of a higher refractive index monomer by Ar+ laser irradiation through the optical fiber. A continuous, straight waveguide was grown by the self-trapping of a guided laser beam. We demonstrated automatic 3D optical circuit formation that enables regrowth after passing through thick transparent glass plates. This growth mechanism also enables automation of the optical interconnection and packaging process, and could potentially contribute to future expansion of optical fiber communications networks.

Observation of light-induced refractive index reduction in bulk glass and application to the formation of complex waveguides

“…Also, these waveguides evolve dynamically, and they experience minimal radiation losses due to the absence of sharp bends. Previously, increases in index have been used to self-write channel waveguides in bulk photopolymers [4,5] and in glass in the planar geometry [2]. Recently we showed the first self-writing effects in bulk chalcogenide glass [3].…”

Micro‐scale Truss Structures formed from Self‐Propagating Photopolymer Waveguides

“…[12,13] This self-propagating phenomenon is a result of a self-focusing effect caused by a change in the index of refraction between the liquid photomonomer and solid polymer during the polymerization reaction. [12][13][14] Upon exposure of light in the appropriate wavelength range -typically UV for most photosensitive monomers -polymerization begins at the point of exposure and the subsequent incident light is trapped in the polymer because of internal reflection, as in optical fibers. This self-trapping effect tunnels the light towards the far end of the already-formed polymer, further propagating the polymerization front within the liquid monomer.…”

Low-Loss Connection of Embedded Optical Fiber Sensors Using a Self-Written Waveguide

“…Due to the increase in refractive index of the resin upon polymerization (which starts at the tip of the fiber where the optical power density is the highest), a lens-like structure is formed. This causes an increased light intensity at the lens front leading to a progressively growing polymerized region forming a waveguide structure [6]. In this case, the UV-light is launched through the external fiber and therefore, the SWW serves as an extension waveguide, which is self-aligned to this fiber.…”