Open AccessPrintable thermo-optic polymer switches utilizing imprinting and ink-jet printing
Author(s) -
Xiaohui Lin,
Tao Ling,
Harish Subbaraman,
L. Jay Guo,
Ray T. Chen
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.21.002110
Subject(s) - materials science , fabrication , cladding (metalworking) , inkwell , imprinting (psychology) , polymer , thermal transfer , optoelectronics , optics , photonics , 3d printing , nanotechnology , composite material , alternative medicine , gene , pathology , physics , medicine , chemistry , biochemistry
We demonstrate a printable Thermo-Optic (TO) switch utilizing imprinting and ink-jet printing techniques. The material system, optical and thermal designs are discussed. Imprinting technique is used to transfer a 2 × 2 switch pattern from a flexible mold into a UV15LV polymer bottom cladding. Ink-jet printing is further used to deposit a SU-8 polymer core layer on top. Operation of the switch is experimentally demonstrated up to a frequency of 1 kHz, with switching time less than 0.5 ms. The printing technique demonstrates great potential for high throughput, roll-to-roll fabrication of low cost photonic devices.
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