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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Fabrication and Characterization of Disordered Polymer Optical Fibers for Transverse Anderson Localization of Light
Published on: July 29, 2013
Planar Bragg grating in bulk polymethylmethacrylate.
M Rosenberger1, G Koller, S Belle
1Laboratory for Photonic Technologies and Sensing, University of Applied Sciences Aschaffenburg, Aschaffenburg, Germany. manuel.rosenberger@h-ab.de
Optics Express
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a one-step method to create a planar waveguide with a Bragg grating in Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This technique simultaneously fabricates the waveguide and grating, achieving 80% reflectivity at 1558.5 nm.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Planar waveguides are essential components in integrated optics.
- Bragg gratings are crucial for wavelength-selective optical devices.
- Fabrication of integrated optical components often requires multiple complex steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel one-step fabrication process for a planar waveguide with an integrated Bragg grating.
- To demonstrate simultaneous generation of both the waveguide and grating structure.
- To investigate the initial performance and environmental sensitivity of the fabricated Bragg grating.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a KrF excimer laser for material modification.
- Employed a phase mask combined with an amplitude mask for precise structuring.
- Induced local refractive index changes in bulk Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated a planar waveguide with an embedded Bragg grating in a single step.
- Achieved a reflected wavelength of approximately 1558.5 nm, consistent with the phase mask design.
- Demonstrated a high grating reflectivity of about 80%.
- Initiated an investigation into the Bragg grating's response to humidity variations.
Conclusions:
- The one-step laser-based writing process is effective for creating integrated Bragg gratings within planar waveguides in PMMA.
- The fabricated gratings exhibit high reflectivity and a predictable resonant wavelength.
- Further research is warranted to fully characterize the environmental stability and potential applications of these structures.
