Writing 3D Waveguides With Femtosecond Pulses in Polymers

Abstract

We present novel waveguide writing concepts in bulk PMMA. The writing relies on laser induced modification tracks that are completely surrounding a waveguide core. We found the optimal parameters to construct highly reproducible, single-mode waveguides with minimal propagation losses down to 0.6 dB cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-1</sup> . Employing the best geometry, we demonstrate 2D and 3D Y-splitters that are the building blocks for creating complex optical networks such as sensors or lab-on-chip devices in polymer materials.