Optical loss study of MPEOU-based polyceram planar waveguides

Sol-gel-derived polyceram materials based on organically modified silicon and titanium alkoxides have been synthesized in planar waveguide forms. They exhibit optical losses as low as <0.25 dB/cm and refractive indices as high as 1.685, coupled with exceptional ease of processing. The optical properties of the films (index of refraction, loss, and dispersion) are studied as functions of processing and composition, and the influence of chemistry on volume homogeneities and surface roughness of the films is investigated.