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Planar waveguide-based silica-polymer hybrid variable optical attenuator and its associated polymers.
Zhiyi Zhang1, Gao Zhi Xiao, Ping Zhao
1Photonic Systems Group, Institute for National Measurement Standards, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A, 0R6, Canada. zhiyi.zhang@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Applied Optics
|May 3, 2005
Summary
A novel silica-polymer hybrid variable optical attenuator was developed. This device achieves high attenuation with very low power consumption, making it suitable for optical integration.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Variable optical attenuators (VOAs) are crucial components in optical networks.
- Existing VOAs often face challenges with power consumption and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a low-power, high-performance silica-polymer hybrid variable optical attenuator.
- To leverage a specially designed polymer with a high thermo-optic coefficient.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a silica planar waveguide with trenches.
- Filling trenches with a custom-designed polymer exhibiting a superhigh thermo-optic coefficient.
- Temperature modulation of the polymer to control optical attenuation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum optical attenuation of -29 dB.
- Demonstrated low power consumption of 2-3 mW/channel.
- Attainment of significant attenuation with a small temperature change of 7°C.
Conclusions:
- The proposed silica-polymer hybrid VOA offers excellent performance and efficiency.
- The device is a strong candidate for integration with arrayed waveguide gratings.
- The developed polymer is key to achieving low power consumption in optical devices.