Refractive-index modifications of some polymeric materials by ion beams

Optical guides are realized by ion irradiation in three polymers: polycarbonate, HIRI, and CR39. Optical properties (index variation, loss) are compared. CR39 waveguides present the best performances (with losses as low as 1 dB/cm); the influence of a curing parameter (initiator concentration), which is directly related to CR39 density and refractive index, is studied.