A high performance optical photo-polymer for planar lightwave circuits

Development of a novel multifunctional acrylate based photo-polymer formulation with T/sub g/ >150/spl deg/C and its application in the fabrication of optical waveguides is reported. Single mode planar optical waveguides were fabricated using UV exposure through a mask followed by development. Waveguide losses at 1550, 1300 and 850 nm as measured using cutback method were 0.7, 0.4 and 0.05 dB/cm respectively. Birefringence in polymer films was around 1 /spl times/ 10/sup -3/. Waveguides subjected to 85/spl deg/C, under 85% relative humidity conditions showed no deterioration or delamination.