Freddy Susanto Tan

Encircled Flux-based optimized simple launch condition for standardization of multimode polymer optical waveguide evaluations

Multimode polymer optical waveguide evaluations by using a combination of multimode optical fibers (MMF) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) give very often inconsistent experimental result. It is due to the over-filled properties of the launch light created by this configuration. We propose an optimized simple launch configuration to overcome the problems by using similar configuration. The optimized launch configuration creates an optimal-filled launch light where its encircled flux (EF) profile satisfies the EF template provided by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). We have used the standard optical fibers and optical fiber adaptors to create the optimized simple launch configuration with high stability. Therefore, our proposed launch configuration is suitable for realizing a cost effective optimized launch configuration for standardization of multimode polymer optical waveguide evaluations. We demonstrated reliability of the proposed launch configuration by examining the reproducibility of the insertion loss (IL) measurements. We have used two waveguide samples that have different characteristics for this purpose. It was found that the insertion loss (IL) measurements of the two samples are consistent with the largest variation of less than 5%. This variation is better than the proposed value given by the IEC that is 10%.

Electro-optic polycyanurate optical waveguides fabrication by simple thermal imprint lithography technology

Electro-optic (EO) polymers are promising candidates for active materials especially for realizing the optical modulator devices. They offer high bit rate operations and low driving voltage. We study a thermally-curable polycyanurate (PCN) doped with a high nonlinear optical chromophore to create a new type of guest–host EO polymer with thermally stable second-order nonlinearity. We fabricated the PCN-based EO polymer optical waveguide by implementing simple thermal imprint lithography technology using a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) mold. We fine-tuned the refractive index of core and claddings materials by optimizing the chromophore concentration of the core and by changing the fluoride content of the claddings. We realized a single-mode propagation of optical waveguide at 1300 nm.

New Approach on Multimode Polymer Optical Waveguides Evaluations

We designed and realized multimode polymer optical waveguides on the chips. They were fundamental functional structures and we fabricated them by using simple techniques. We have developed new approach that is simple and nondestructive for multimode polymer optical waveguide evaluations. We examined reliability of the proposed approach by measuring the optical parameters of the realized devices. We have also evaluated the modes distribution affected by inserting additional fibers to the input launch configurations. We realized an optimal-filled input launch by implementing the encircled flux (EF) category for 50 μm core GI input fiber proposed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). We are successful to achieve insertion loss (IL) variation of less than 5% for the waveguides fabricated on top of different substrates.

Polymer-based high-speed data transmission devices and system applications (Conference Presentation)

High performance silicon-based optical circuits and modules will be required for the future high bandwidth optical data transmission system applications. We are now engaging in fabrication of integrated optical waveguides and modules using hybrid structure of high performance functional photonic polymers and silicon photonics. We present recent progress of photonic polymers and waveguide-type device technologies for next generation integrated optical circuits. High performance photonic polymer is a potential candidate for functional optical waveguide material by combining silicon waveguide platform. Using electrooptic (EO) polymer limit of bandwidth and/or driving voltage of a silicon modulator can be overcome. Light-induced self-written (LISW) waveguide technology enables optical interconnection between optical components using photocurable resin. Athermal silicon optical waveguide can be achieved by using organic-Inorganic hybrid material with large negative thermooptic (TO) coefficient as a cladding material of silicon waveguide. By combining high performance functional photonic polymer and silicon waveguide, we attempt to realize integrated optical devices for next-generation optical interconnection application. Moreover, we present data transmission system demonstration using the hybrid modules.

Polymeric wavelength division multiplexing coupler with fiber guide and filter trench for bidirectional communication fabricated by one-step replication

We fabricated and characterized a polymeric bidirectional wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) coupler for a graded-index plastic optical fiber (GI-POF). We fabricated the device with fiber guides and a filter trench by a simple one-step soft lithography method. We evaluated the performance of the fabricated device with an optimal design structure at wavelengths of 850 and 790 nm. We determined the insertion loss, isolation, and directivity to be less than 3 dB, more than 20 dB, and more than 20 dB, respectively. We also demonstrated bidirectional communications with more than 2.5 Gbps/λ for an optical fiber length of 150 m by aligning the GI-POF in the fiber guides and inserting a WDM filter in the filter trench with passive alignment.

Serially-grafted electrooptic polymer waveguide fabricated by thermal imprint lithography

Electro-optic (EO) polymer is a promising candidate for active material in realizing future EO modulation. It offers high-bandwidth optical modulator devices. Thermally-curable polycyanurate (PCN) doped with nonlinear optical chromophores is studied to create guest-host EO polymers with stable second-order nonlinearity. PCN-based optical waveguide is fabricated by simple thermal imprint lithography using a silicone mold. Single-mode propagation at a wavelength of 1300 nm is realized by fine-tuning the refractive index of core and cladding materials. Based on this technique an approach for serially-grafted optical waveguide is discussed.

Simple and reliable evaluation method of multi-mode polymer optical waveguides

Polymer optical chip containing a combination of 45°-angled cut waveguide, Y-splitter and S-bend structures was designed and fabricated for simple and reliable evaluation of multi-mode waveguides. Effect of mode scramblers was investigated as an appropriate input condition for standardization of measurement of optical characteristics of multi-mode waveguides.