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Low Loss Vertical TiO2/Polymer Hybrid Nano-Waveguides
Isaac Doughan1, Kehinde Oyemakinwa1, Olli Ovaskainen1
1Department of Physics and Mathematics, Center for Photonics Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 11, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel polymer waveguide with a titania core for compact photonic circuits. This design significantly reduces propagation losses, paving the way for easier integrated component manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and optical engineering
- Materials science for integrated optics
- Nanotechnology for optical devices
Background:
- Compact photonic circuitry requires efficient waveguides with low propagation losses.
- Existing polymer waveguides often face challenges with mode confinement and surface roughness.
- The quasi-transverse magnetic (TM) mode is desirable for specific applications in integrated photonics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel low-loss polymer waveguide hybridized with a titania core.
- To enhance field confinement and reduce propagation losses using a high-refractive index layer.
- To enable mass-producible integrated photonic components.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polymer channel waveguide with a titania core.
- Integration of a thin, high-refractive index layer via atomic layer deposition within the waveguide core.
- Design analysis focusing on trench placement for asymmetric modal distribution.
- Experimental measurement of propagation losses at telecom wavelengths.
Main Results:
- Achieved propagation losses as low as 1.75 ± 0.32 dB/cm in a 200 nm × 900 nm waveguide core.
- Demonstrated conformal coating by atomic layer deposition, reducing surface roughness and improving field confinement.
- Showcased tunability of trench position for asymmetric modal distribution.
- Validated operation at telecom wavelengths with potential for broader spectral use.
Conclusions:
- The proposed titania-core polymer waveguide offers a promising solution for low-loss, compact photonic circuitry.
- Atomic layer deposition integration provides a scalable method for enhancing waveguide performance.
- The mass-production compatibility of the fabrication processes facilitates easier manufacturing of integrated optical components.
