Writing 3D Waveguides With Femtosecond Pulses in Polymers

We present novel waveguide writing concepts in bulk PMMA. The writing relies on laser induced modification tracks that are completely surrounding a waveguide core. We found the optimal parameters to construct highly reproducible, single-mode waveguides with minimal propagation losses down to 0.6 dB cm
^-1
. Employing the best geometry, we demonstrate 2D and 3D Y-splitters that are the building blocks for creating complex optical networks such as sensors or lab-on-chip devices in polymer materials.