Rapid Prototyping of Low‐Loss IR Chalcogenide‐Glass Waveguides by Controlled Remelting |
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Authors: | Christopher J Rowlands Dr Lei Su Dr Stephen R Elliott Prof |
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Institution: | University Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW (UK), Fax: (+44)?1223 336362 |
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Abstract: | A method for fabricating infrared‐transmitting waveguides that yields low optical losses and strong confinement of light is presented. The method minimises the number of fabrication steps by exploiting the photosensitivity of arsenic trisulfide glass, using it both as a photoresist and as a waveguiding material. Controlled annealing/remelting of the waveguides minimises scattering due to fluctuations in refractive index at the interface between the waveguide and the surrounding medium, allowing low losses to be realised. Bends and Y‐splitter structures have been realised, as well as the longest As2S3 serpentine planar waveguides yet reported. |
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Keywords: | arsenic trisulfide chalcogenide glasses IR spectroscopy laser chemistry waveguides |
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