Light-induced self-written waveguide fabrication using 1550  nm laser light.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Fabrication of optical waveguides is crucial for optical interconnection.
• Existing methods often require complex alignment and multiple fabrication steps.
• The development of self-writing techniques offers a simplified approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the first fabrication of light-induced self-written (LISW) optical waveguides.
• To utilize a 1550 nm pulse laser for waveguide fabrication.
• To showcase optical interconnection capabilities for silicon photonics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a photopolymerizable resin system.
• Employed a two-photon absorption (TPA) chromophore with a high TPA cross section at 1550 nm.
• Demonstrated waveguide formation via one-way irradiation of 1550 nm laser light through a single-mode fiber.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated LISW optical waveguides using 1550 nm laser light.
• Achieved optical interconnection between a single-mode fiber and a fiber Bragg grating.
• Confirmed the efficacy of the TPA chromophore at 1550 nm.

Conclusions:

• LISW waveguide formation using 1550 nm laser light is a viable and novel technique.
• This method presents a promising alternative for optical interconnection in silicon photonics.
• The demonstrated fiber Bragg grating integration highlights the potential for complex photonic circuits.