Improvement in Positioning Accuracy of Light-Induced Self-Written Polymeric Optical Waveguide Using an “Optical Solder” Effect

Abstract

Improvements in the positioning accuracy of light-induced self-written (LISW) polymeric optical waveguides at the end face of optical modules have been realized by using an “optical solder” effect and a simply-designed enclosure socket. The LISW waveguides were fabricated by irradiation through two faceted fibers. The fiber ends are set at certain mounting positions with respect to the light-emitting diodes and photo diodes. The resulting positional accuracy at the extremities of the optical waveguides is less than one-tenth of the optical fiber core diameter. This value is sufficiently accurate to realize passive alignment.