Design and Fabrication of NxN Optical Couplers Based on Organic Polymer Opti al WaveGuides
Abstract
In this report, we examine the design and fabrication of a planar, 10x10 optical coupler utilizing photopolymerizable organic polymers. Background information on the theory of operation of the coupler culminating in a set of design equations is presented. The details of the material processing are described, including the preparation of monomer mixtures that result in single- mode polymer waveguides (lambda = 1300 nm) that have core dimensions approximately equal to those of single-mode fiber. This is necessary to insure high coupling efficiency between the planar device and optical fiber. A unique method of aligning and attaching optical fibers to the coupler is demonstrated. This method relies on patterned alignment ways, a transcision cut, and single- mode D-fiber. A theoretical analysis of the in situ monitoring technique used to fabricate the single-mode D-fiber is presented and compared favorably with the experimental results. Finally, the 10x10 coupler is characterized. We have measured an excess loss of approximately 8 dB.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285530
Entities
People
- D. L. Rode
- Robert R. Krchnavek
Organizations
- Washington University in St. Louis