Open AccessDisposable photonic integrated circuits for evanescent wave sensors by ultra-high volume roll-to-roll method
Author(s) -
Sanna Aikio,
Jussi Hiltunen,
Johanna HiitolaKeinänen,
Marianne Hiltunen,
Ville Kontturi,
Samuli Siitonen,
Jarkko Puustinen,
Pentti Karioja
Publication year - 2016
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.24.002527
Subject(s) - photonics , conformable matrix , photonic integrated circuit , materials science , electronic circuit , optoelectronics , integrated circuit , fabrication , refractive index , optics , electrical engineering , engineering , physics , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , composite material
Flexible photonic integrated circuit technology is an emerging field expanding the usage possibilities of photonics, particularly in sensor applications, by enabling the realization of conformable devices and introduction of new alternative production methods. Here, we demonstrate that disposable polymeric photonic integrated circuit devices can be produced in lengths of hundreds of meters by ultra-high volume roll-to-roll methods on a flexible carrier. Attenuation properties of hundreds of individual devices were measured confirming that waveguides with good and repeatable performance were fabricated. We also demonstrate the applicability of the devices for the evanescent wave sensing of ambient refractive index. The production of integrated photonic devices using ultra-high volume fabrication, in a similar manner as paper is produced, may inherently expand methods of manufacturing low-cost disposable photonic integrated circuits for a wide range of sensor applications.