Light induced self-written waveguides interactions in photopolymer media.

Mohamed Ben Belgacem,Saber Kamoun,Kokou D Honorat Dorkenoo,Mohamed Gargouri,Loïc Mager,Alberto Barsella

doi:10.1364/oe.23.020841

Abstract

We present experimental and theoretical study of the interaction of Light Induced Self-Written (LISW) waveguides in photopolymers. We show that the diffusion of the monomer controls the refractive index distribution. Consequently it influences the interaction between the LISW channels allowing the observation of anti-crossing behavior or the propagation of an array of non interacting LISW waveguides.

Highlights

Since the demonstration of the fabrication of Light Induced Self-Written (LISW) waveguides in photopolymers [1] they are no more limited to fundamental studies but foreseen for effective applications
The mixture is conditioned between two glass plates separated by a 125 μm gap and a single mode optical fiber dipped in the solution
The fiber is coupled to an cw argon laser delivering the actinic light at 514 nm to launch the LISW channel inscription

Summary

Introduction

Since the demonstration of the fabrication of Light Induced Self-Written (LISW) waveguides in photopolymers [1] they are no more limited to fundamental studies but foreseen for effective applications. The versatility of this technique allows the elaboration of complex 3D cellular solids that were only available through photolithographic processes. The LISW guides find applications for optical integrated systems [2] They can be used to couple energy from a fiber, a beam to a waveguide and to couple one waveguide to another [3, 4]. The track of the light remains even after the full curing of the material constituting a permanent optical waveguide

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