Fabrication of three-dimensional integrated optical circuits by photopolymerisation
05 FR GECA 0CS4

Abstract
A French research laboratory developed a technology that allows construction of integrated optical circuits inside an organic matrix. Specific to photocrosslinkable material, it allows drawing the circuit itself inside the organic matrix, with a 3D sub-micrometric spatial resolution. Waveguides can be drawn in a single step process and coupled directly to the optic fibres connecting the device to the outside world. Industrial partners are sought for co-development or license agreement.

Description
The fast growth of the information society in the last years calls for an ever-increasing ability to transfer digital data. Fundamental building blocs of the networks of the future will be all-optical components able to perform signal regeneration and data routing, replacing the optical-electrical-optical conversions needed today.
A French research laboratory developed a technology that allows construction of integrated optical circuits inside an organic matrix, without use of usual complex micro-lithography techniques, leading to cost reduction compared with the processes used in inorganic materials. This approach, specific of photocrosslinkable materials, allows drawing the circuit itself inside the organic matrix, with a 3D sub-micrometric spatial resolution. Straight and curved waveguides can be drawn in a single processing step and coupled directly to the optical fibres connecting the device to the outside world.
In addition to passive components, the introduction of specific chromophores in the matrix gives rise to non-linear effects, which can be used for active components. Functions like optical switching, optical modulation, tuneable filtering and wavelength conversion can be cited as examples.

Innovative Aspects:
Design of waveguides by photopolymerisation inside an organic matrix with a 3D sub-micrometric spatial resolution, which can be coupled directly to the optical fibres connecting the device to the outside world.

Main Advantages:
• Design of waveguides by photopolymerisation
• Multiple functions can be integrated in the same device (optical switching, modulation, etc.)
• Three-dimensional optical circuits
• Direct connection of optical fibres to the circuit
• High resolution of the polymerised structures (cubic micrometer)
• Manufacture process allowing the design of multi-functional optical circuits in only one or two steps
• Low cost (use of organic matrices, simple and flexible process)

Development phase
Laboratory tested

Intellectual Property Rights
Patent(s) applied for but not yet granted

Collaboration details
Technical Co-operation; Joint venture agreement; License agreement
- Type of partner sought: SME/large company
- Specific area of activity of the partner: Industry
- Task to be performed: Collaborative development and/or a license agreement

For more information
Isabelle Gouriou

home | @ to contact us