Low loss, flexible single-mode polymer photonics

Abstract

Single-mode polymer photonics is of significant interest to short-reach data communications, photonic packaging, sensing, and biophotonic light delivery. We report here experimental demonstration of mechanically flexible waveguides fabricated by using commercial off-the-shelf biocompatible polymers that claim a record low propagation loss of 0.11 dB/cm near 850 nm wavelength. We also show the excellent flexibility of the freestanding waveguides which can withstand repeated deformation cycles at millimeter bending radius without compromising their low-loss characteristics. High-performance passive optical components, such as waveguide Y-branches, multi-mode interferometers (MMIs), and waveguide crossings are also realized using the polymer photonics platform.

Flexible and Stretchable Photonics: The Next Stretch of Opportunities

“…Photoactive acrylates or epoxies that can be bought as proprietary photoresists or adapted from known formulations are still the most popular polymeric waveguide materials because they are easily patterned using established lithography techniques and have relatively high refractive indices. − Silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are also popular waveguide or substrate materials because they are easily molded, thermally stable, chemically inert, and biologically compatible and, as such, are easy to integrate with other materials. − Alternative polymers such as paralyne C and polyimides and hybrid organic–inorganic polymers such as Ormocers have also been used as flexible waveguides. − …”

“…The large-scale integration of low-loss flexible waveguides is important for OIs as well as optogenetic and photodynamic therapy applications, which, respectively, require a large bandwidth density and high-resolution light delivery. Whereas single-mode flexible waveguides are essential for short-reach OIs and photonic sensing, 54 there are still a few issues waiting to be addressed to realize their full potential. In particular, the existing single-mode solutions lack compact, out-of-plane coupling capabilities that would otherwise allow dense optical interconnection and probing in the 3D space.…”

Optical Free-Form Couplers for High-density Integrated Photonics (OFFCHIP): A Universal Optical Interface

“…In our process, polymer waveguides were first fabricated following our previously established protocols [99]. A trench with a depth of 15 m was then etched into the polymer layers to define the waveguide facet to which the reflectors are attached.…”

Polymer multimode waveguide bend based on a multilayered Eaton lens

“…Polymers, due to their transparency at optical communication bands, mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and low refractive indices in the range of silica fibers, play an increasingly important role in passive photonic components [1]. Moreover, low-index contrast waveguides such as polymeric waveguides have low fiber coupling and propagation losses.…”