Low loss, flexible single-mode polymer photonics.

Area of Science:

• Photonics and optical engineering
• Materials science
• Biocompatible polymer applications

Background:

• Single-mode polymer photonics is crucial for short-reach data communications, photonic packaging, sensing, and biophotonic light delivery.
• Existing polymer waveguides often face limitations in flexibility and propagation loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate mechanically flexible, low-loss single-mode waveguides using commercial biocompatible polymers.
• To evaluate the performance of these waveguides under mechanical stress and realize passive optical components.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of free-standing waveguides using off-the-shelf biocompatible polymers.
• Characterization of propagation loss near 850 nm wavelength.
• Testing waveguide flexibility through repeated deformation cycles at millimeter bending radii.
• Realization of passive optical components like Y-branches, MMIs, and waveguide crossings.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record low propagation loss of 0.11 dB/cm near 850 nm wavelength.
• Demonstrated excellent waveguide flexibility, withstanding repeated bending without compromising low-loss characteristics.
• Successfully fabricated high-performance passive optical components including Y-branches, MMIs, and waveguide crossings.

Conclusions:

• The developed polymer photonics platform offers a promising solution for flexible, low-loss optical waveguides.
• The biocompatible nature and mechanical robustness make these waveguides suitable for diverse applications in data communications, sensing, and biophotonics.
• This advancement facilitates the integration of photonics in flexible and wearable devices.