Polymeric materials for devices in optical fibre systems

This paper reviews recent developments of polymers as materials for optical communication systems, including both fibres and components such as modulators, switches and sources. Optical communication systems involve a wide variety of component types for which the materials must combine high optical transparency at the transmission wavelength(s) with special functionality for the particular component concerned. Where the main fibres are themselves made of polymeric materials, the primary requirement is for the materials to have the lowest possible attenuation, but together with a high degree of mechanical strength, flexibility and durability. For optical modulators and switches, the more important property is a non‐linear optical response to applied electric field. This behaviour is, however, linked to optical absorption processes, and careful materials design is necessary to achieve high non‐linear response with acceptable attenuation at the operational wavelength. In other devices like arrayed waveguides and sources, the ability to undertake precision microfabrication is of paramount importance. The chief advantages of organic, polymeric materials over ceramics for these applications are undoubtedly their ease of use in device fabrication by conventional spin‐coating and moulding methods, together with the potential to tune their optical properties by tailoring their molecular structure. The main challenge is to achieve the necessary lifetime and stability for commercial use. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.