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UV-Writing of a Superstructure Waveguide Bragg Grating in a Planar Polymer Substrate
Manuel Rosenberger1, Bernhard Schmauss2, Ralf Hellmann3
1Applied Laser and Photonics Group, University of Applied Sciences Aschaffenburg, 63743 Aschaffenburg, Germany. manuel.rosenberger@h-ab.de.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2017
Summary
Researchers fabricated a superstructure Bragg grating in polymer, enabling precise strain measurements. This novel grating offers redundant sensing signals for enhanced accuracy in structural health monitoring applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Photonics
Background:
- Superstructure Bragg gratings (SSBGs) are advanced optical fiber components.
- UV-induced refractive index modification is a key technique for fabricating optical devices in polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate an integrated waveguide and SSBGs in a planar polymer substrate.
- To investigate the strain sensing capabilities of the fabricated SSBGs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication using a twofold UV illumination process on bulk polymethylmethacrylate.
- Characterization of the reflected spectrum using optical measurements.
- Determination of strain sensitivity under varying tensile loads.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of an integrated waveguide and SSBGs.
- Measured reflection spectrum in good agreement with beam propagation and coupled mode theory simulations.
- Strain sensitivity determined to be approximately 1.10 pm/µε.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated SSBGs are suitable for strain measurements.
- The device demonstrates potential for applications requiring redundant sensing signals.
- UV-written polymer-based SSBGs offer a viable platform for optical sensing.
