Temperature dependence of index of refraction of polymeric waveguides

The temperature dependence of refractive index of polymer films was determined for a number of slab waveguides by a grating coupling method. This dependence was examined as a function of parameters such as molecular weight and glass transition temperature of the polymer. Temperature-induced changes in N/sub TE/-N/sub TM/, N being the effective index, were studied systematically for different slab waveguide compositions. It is shown that with proper device design and choice of polymeric materials, thermal effects can be reduced.<
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