Controlled refractive index of photosensitive polymer:: towards photo-induced waveguide for near infrared wavelengths

Photo-writing process of polymer optical waveguides can offer advantages to make easier connection fiber guide, and noticeably simplifies the fabrication procedure. In order to carry out a photo-writing technique, we choose a photosensitive polymer. Thus, under far UV irradiation, polyvinylcinnamate (PVCi) undergoes a change in its absorption, yielding a refractive index variation. This work presents the first results of relationship between the bleaching of the UV band and the refractive index change in the area of optical telecommunication spectrum. By the way, it is shown that the index contrast obtained by controlling the UV source, can be improved, in order to make suitable this process for printing integrated optical waveguides. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.