Presentation
14 May 2019 Characterization of self-written waveguide within PVA/AA (Conference Presentation)
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Abstract
The fabrication of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Acrylamide (PVA/AA) and the addition of a photo-sensitizer have been fully investigated. The creation of self-written waveguides (SWW) has also received much attention and their results have been very promising. In this paper we look at the optical loss across the SWW and also subject the SWW to coherence testing to analyze the wave form and measure any degradation in the optical signal. With the fabrication of the PVA/AA we use a photo-sensitizer or dye which is Erythrosine B (EB), which is sensitive to wavelength of λ = 532nm. We characterize a multi-mode (MM) fiber across various aspects such as attenuation profile and birefringence. We then cut the optical fiber and prepare it for cleaving. The fiber ends are then cleaved and then set into a V-Groove. The fiber ends are 7mm apart and in direct line or optical trajectory. This is then covered with a soluble form of photo-sensitized PVA/AA. When the PVA/AA is cured an optical light source (OLS) is connected to one end of the fiber. This OLS has a broadband light source capability from 400nm to 1700nm. An optical power meter (OPM) is connected to the other end of the fiber, this OLP also has the capability to receive and analyze wavelengths within the spectrum 400nm to 1700nm. The OPM is turned on the wavelength λ = 532nm propagates along the fiber until it enters the PVA/AA. The self-writing process begins and with the change in refractive index and the introduction of polymer chains a SWW is created. The SWW is now situated between the two fiber ends with an length matching the fiber distance of 7mmThe wavelength then enters the open optical fiber and the propagates along the fiber to the OPM. At this stage the analyses of the 532nm wavelength gets underway and the optical fiber link is re-characterized. At this stage a wavelength is characterized and measure against the original attenuation profile (AP) and birefringence measurements. The wavelength is also examined under spectral analyses using a spectrum analyzer and compared to the original wave form to measure interference and coherence. This will allow us to understand the characteristics of a SWW with fibers interconnecting and exposing the wavelength directly to the PVA/AA within its structure. The tests carried out investigate attenuation profile (AP), birefringence, polarization effects and interference. The SWW is characterized so that future use as a directional splitter/coupler created within a SWW can be used effectively within an integrated devise and within communication networks.
Conference Presentation
© (2019) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Derek Cassidy, Ra'ed Malallah, John J. Healy, Min Wan, and John T Sheridan "Characterization of self-written waveguide within PVA/AA (Conference Presentation)", Proc. SPIE 11030, Holography: Advances and Modern Trends VI, 1103008 (14 May 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2520968
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KEYWORDS
Waveguides

Signal attenuation

Birefringence

Optical fibers

Light sources

Analytical research

Coherence (optics)

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