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3D printed and spiral lithographically patterned erbium-doped polymer micro-waveguide amplifiers.
Hongwei Gao1, Huimin Li2, G F R Chen1
1Photonics Devices and System Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Rd, Singapore, 487372, Singapore.
Scientific Reports
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed novel polymeric waveguide amplifiers using lithography and 3D printing. These devices, doped with erbium ions (Er 3+), achieve significant optical gain within the telecommunication wavelength range.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Rare-earth (RE) doped materials are crucial for integrated optical devices, including fiber amplifiers and telecommunications.
- Trivalent erbium ions (Er 3+) are particularly important for their emission in the 1300-1650 nm low-loss telecommunication window.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the development and performance of two types of polymeric waveguide amplifiers.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D printing for fabricating active photonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of lithographically patterned spiral waveguides.
- Development of polymeric waveguide amplifiers using 3D printing via two-photon lithography.
Main Results:
- Achieved 8 dB gain in 8 cm long spiral waveguides with 95 mW of 980 nm pump power.
- Observed gain in the 1530-1590 nm range.
- Demonstrated the first polymeric waveguide amplifiers fabricated using 3D printing.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric waveguide amplifiers offer a promising platform for optical amplification.
- 3D printing enables rapid prototyping of active photonic devices, potentially overcoming planar limitations.
