Advances with silica-on-silicon planar waveguides

Abstract

Recent advances within the realization of silica-on-silicon planar waveguide circuitry are presented. This ranges from the production methods for planar waveguides, including a novel method based on the utilization of focused UV-laser beams for direct waveguide imprinting, to the functionalities that are embedded into the glass materials and waveguide circuitry. The latter includes e.g. optical functions that are realized utilizing phase and amplitude of and resonance conditions for light in waveguide circuitry. We also describe the realization and use of gratings in waveguides. Furthermore, we discuss doping of glass materials used to obtain e.g. amplifiers, lasers, and the pursuit to obtain highly non-linear materials in order to realize purely glass-based switches, modulators and wavelength converters.