Optical solder effects of self-written waveguides in optical circuit devices coupling

Abstract

Easy, convenient and accurate optical component coupling methods have been proposed using self-written waveguides. The effect of this unique method is systematically studied here for two faced multi-mode optical fibers with various gaps. The optical fiber coupling is easily attained and the coupling loss significantly decreases after self-written waveguide formation even with a extended gap, more than 1000 /spl mu/m; the results clearly show that such self-written waveguide coupling is very effective; the waveguides act as "optical solder" in a gap between two optical components. All-solid type self-written waveguide formation and multichannel waveguide formation/connection are also successfully demonstrated; these results expand the application of self-written waveguides in future practical use. Unique, icicle shaped self-written waveguide formation is also described.