Index trimming of optical waveguide devices using ultrashort laser pulses for arbitrary control of signal amplitude, phase, and polarization
US6628877B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/13
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Ultrafast pulse beams of light are used to direct-write three-dimensional index profiles in materials using the unique material changing capabilities of ultra-short (i.e. <10 picosecond) laser pulses. An existing waveguide or waveguide circuit fabricated by some technique (for example but not limited to photolithography, flame hydrolysis deposition, modified chemical vapor deposition, or ultra-fast laser pulse direct writing) is modified by altering the index of refraction (index trimming) in a localized region or different local regions of the waveguide structure. Index trimming is accomplished through the action of a focused laser beam (or multiple focused beams) consisting of one or more ultra-short laser pulses and is generally performed at a wavelength in which the material is transparent or weakly absorbing, to the fundamental wavelength of the beam of light. The trimmed index pattern is generated by, but not limited to, moving the focal position of the beam or by moving the sample (i.e. waveguide device) relative to a fixed beam focused. Trimming occurs only at or near the focus of the beam. The focus may be a beam waist or a reduced replica of the input beam as might be cre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.