Patent · US Expired

Method for fabricating an optical waveguide

US6511571B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
34References
76Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 9, 2001
Grant dateJan 28, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 9, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/108
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method in which a separate preformed optical material is suitably sized for easy handling, manipulation, and fabrication into a waveguide having a core (formed from the optical material) having transverse cross-sectional dimensions on the order of only tens of microns. The method may include a plurality of mechanical steps, e.g., lapping, polishing, and/or dicing, and bonding steps, e.g., attaching with adhesives. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing an optical material, thinning and polishing the optical material to form a core comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending surfaces, providing a plurality of support substrates, and attaching the plurality of support substrates to the longitudinally extending surfaces of the core. The plurality of support substrates may be attached to the plurality of longitudinally extending surfaces of the optical material with an adhesive. The optical material may include a high refractive index, and the plurality of support substrates and/or the adhesive may include a low refractive index.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.