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Published on: June 2, 2017
High-gain optical amplification in Eu(3+)-doped polymer
Kwok Chu Tsang1, Chun-Yuen Wong, Edwin Yue Bun Pun
1Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Optics Letters
|February 18, 2010
Summary
Europium-doped polymers were used to create optical waveguide devices. These devices demonstrated significant optical amplification, achieving a maximum signal enhancement of approximately 30 dB.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Europium (Eu(3+)) doping enhances optical properties of materials.
- Polymeric waveguides offer potential for integrated optics.
- Norland optical adhesive (NOA) is a versatile epoxy-based resin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and optically characterize Europium-doped NOA polymers.
- To fabricate polymeric waveguide devices using Eu(3+)-doped NOA.
- To demonstrate and quantify optical amplification in these waveguide devices.
Main Methods:
- Europium (Eu(3+))-doped Norland optical adhesive (NOA) polymers were synthesized.
- Polymeric waveguides were fabricated using a withdrawal molding technique with quartz capillary tubes.
- Optical amplification at 612 nm was measured for devices of varying lengths.
Main Results:
- Eu(3+)-doped NOA polymers were successfully prepared and characterized.
- Waveguide devices incorporating Eu(3+)-doped NOA were fabricated.
- Optical amplification was demonstrated, with a maximum signal enhancement of ~30 dB achieved in a 16 mm long device.
Conclusions:
- Europium-doped NOA polymers are suitable for fabricating optical waveguide devices.
- The fabricated devices exhibit significant optical amplification capabilities.
- The withdrawal molding technique provides a simple method for creating these functional optical components.
