Laser written mode evolution couplers

Robert B. Charters; Barry Luther-Davies

doi:10.1117/12.363905

5 October 1999 Laser written mode evolution couplers

Robert B. Charters, Barry Luther-Davies

Proceedings Volume 3799, Organic Photorefractives, Photoreceptors, Waveguides, and Fibers; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.363905
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The advantages of polymeric thermo-optic space switches based on modal evolution effects in X- and Y-junctions are now well established for telecommunications applications. An alternative device structure based on tapered directional couplers, in which the guide effective index is tapered in opposite directions in each arm of a distributed coupling device has been suggested theoretically, but fabrication of these devices with existing mask based technologies has proved extremely difficult. In this paper we demonstrate that laser direct writing of refractive index tapered structures in the photosensitive polymer material system BDK:PMA with a TEM₀₁ 'doughnut' laser beam allows high performance mode evolution couplers to be delineated with crosstalk values < -40 dB and excess losses of approximately 0.3 dB. It is demonstrated that complete switching can be obtained through thermo-optic detuning of the device.

Citation Download Citation

Robert B. Charters and Barry Luther-Davies "Laser written mode evolution couplers", Proc. SPIE 3799, Organic Photorefractives, Photoreceptors, Waveguides, and Fibers, (5 October 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.363905

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available