Design and Demonstration of Polarizing Polymer Waveguides Using Birefringent Polymers

TE-pass and TM-pass polarizing waveguides were fabricated by adjusting the birefringence properties of multi-layer stacks. The desired values of indices of refraction and birefringence were obtained by the proper selection and customization of core and cladding materials. The technique developed was used in the fabrication of waveguides in various design configurations such as etched ribs, backfilled trenches and photobleached channels. Both passive and active (electro-optic) core materials were successfully used in demonstrating the polarization extinction ratios as high as 61 dB. To our knowledge, this is the highest extinction ratio reported with polarizing polymer waveguides. In the case of electro-optic polymer waveguides, the designs were modified to enhance the electric field strength in the core without compromising the polarizing extinction ratios of the waveguides.