Optical loss reduction in high-index-contrast chalcogenide glass waveguides via thermal reflow

A thermal reflow technique is applied to high-index-contrast, sub-micron waveguides in As(2)S(3) chalcogenide glass to reduce the sidewall roughness and associated optical scattering loss. We show that the reflow process effectively decreases sidewall roughness of chalcogenide glass waveguides. A ki...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2010-01, Vol.18 (2), p.1469-1478
Main Authors: Hu, Juejun, Feng, Ning-Ning, Carlie, Nathan, Petit, Laeticia, Agarwal, Anu, Richardson, Kathleen, Kimerling, Lionel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chalcogens - chemistry
Energy Transfer
Equipment Design
Equipment Failure Analysis
Glass - chemistry
Hot Temperature
Materials Testing
Optical Devices
Phase Transition
Refractometry - instrumentation
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Summary:A thermal reflow technique is applied to high-index-contrast, sub-micron waveguides in As(2)S(3) chalcogenide glass to reduce the sidewall roughness and associated optical scattering loss. We show that the reflow process effectively decreases sidewall roughness of chalcogenide glass waveguides. A kinetic model is presented to quantitatively explain the sidewall roughness evolution during thermal reflow. Further, we develop a technique to calculate waveguide optical loss using the roughness evolution model, and predict the ultimate low loss limit in reflowed high-index-contrast glass waveguides. Up to 50% optical loss reduction after reflow treatment is experimentally observed, and the practical loss limiting factors are discussed.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.18.001469