Abstract

Y-junctions are important as switches,¹ modulators,² and power dividers.³ Ion-exchanged glass waveguide power dividers using Y-junctions are attractive because of their low loss, low cost, and mass productivity. One problem of such structures is radiation loss at the junction. Many theoretical and experimental studies have been done on this problem.^1-3 Here we report a loss reduction method of buried single-mode Y-junctions made by a two-step thermal ion-exchange process,⁴ modified mask patterns in order to reduce the radiation loss, and fabrication results.

© 1991 Optical Society of America