Abstract

In this work, we present application scenarios for a new type of embedded polymer-optical waveguide realized by reactive lamination [1]. In the field of full-polymer photonic systems, waveguides are mainly manufactured either by direct structuring of polymers on silicon or polymer substrates or by a combination of hot embossing and spin-coating or doctorblading, respectively. While these processes demonstrated the production of low-attenuation waveguides with even single-mode capabilities, the processes utilized are in need of expensive tools like e.g. photomasks or silicon hot-embossing stamps. The approach employed uses an active lamination agent [1, 2] to join poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrate and a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) monofilament, creating a monolithic, full-polymer waveguide, suited for a roll-to-roll production process since all feedstock is already supplied on spools or coils.

© 2017 IEEE