Coarse WDM demultiplexer fabricated with deep x-ray lithography

Xianling Chen; James N. McMullin; Chris J. Haugen; Ray G. DeCorby; David M. Klymyshyn; Sven C. Achenbach; Juergen Mohr

doi:10.1117/12.566988

20 December 2004 Coarse WDM demultiplexer fabricated with deep x-ray lithography

Xianling Chen, James N. McMullin, Chris J. Haugen, Ray G. DeCorby, David M. Klymyshyn, Sven C. Achenbach, Juergen Mohr

Proceedings Volume 5577, Photonics North 2004: Optical Components and Devices; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566988
Event: Photonics North, 2004, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Integrated planar concave gratings are promising candidates for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) devices. However, device insertion losses reported to date are higher than other options such as Arrayed Waveguide Gratings (AWGs) mainly due to the strict requirement for a deep vertical etch of grating facets. We present a novel planar concave grating demultiplexer design based on total internal reflection and the focusing properties of ellipses which simplifies the fabrication of the device by avoiding grating facet metallization and improves grating efficiency by reducing its sensitivity to non-vertical etching of the facets. As a proof of concept of the grating design, a 4-channel coarse WDM demultiplexer working near 850nm with a channel wavelength spacing of 20nm has been fabricated in PMMA polymer using the LIGA process, a deep x-ray lithography technique using synchrotron radiation. Smooth and extremely vertical sidewalls 220 microns deep have been obtained. Test results for this preliminary device show a -7dB on-chip loss for the best channel. Based on the test data, a –3dB loss can be reasonably expected for a device with optimized material processing. In the future, the LIGA process can be used to fabricate a metal stamp that can massively produce devices in polymers with plastic embossing or molding techniques.

Citation Download Citation

Xianling Chen, James N. McMullin, Chris J. Haugen, Ray G. DeCorby, David M. Klymyshyn, Sven C. Achenbach, and Juergen Mohr "Coarse WDM demultiplexer fabricated with deep x-ray lithography", Proc. SPIE 5577, Photonics North 2004: Optical Components and Devices, (20 December 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.566988

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