We describe the technology behind a platform for integrated optics based on liquid crystals. Design and technological issues are addressed and effective technological solutions are presented. The physical implementation of optical waveguides characterized by a practical and reproducible process based on preferential etching of crystalline silicon substrates are presented. Devices are manufactured by wet etching a Si substrates first and then by thermally growing thick SiO2 cladding layer. A nematic liquid crystal is used as core of the waveguiding devices. Experimental results on polarizing properties and single mode propagation of infrared light are presented and discussed.
Integrated optics devices based on liquid crystals / Romeo, Beccherelli; Bob, Bellini; Domenico, Donisi; D'Alessandro, Antonio. - In: MOLECULAR CRYSTALS AND LIQUID CRYSTALS. - ISSN 1542-1406. - 465:1(2007), pp. 249-257. (Intervento presentato al convegno 7th National Meeting of the Italian-Liquid-Crystal-Society/3rd Italian-Japanese Workshop on Liquid Crystals tenutosi a Castiglioncello, ITALY nel JUN 04-09, 2006) [10.1080/15421400701206089].
Integrated optics devices based on liquid crystals
D'ALESSANDRO, Antonio
2007
Abstract
We describe the technology behind a platform for integrated optics based on liquid crystals. Design and technological issues are addressed and effective technological solutions are presented. The physical implementation of optical waveguides characterized by a practical and reproducible process based on preferential etching of crystalline silicon substrates are presented. Devices are manufactured by wet etching a Si substrates first and then by thermally growing thick SiO2 cladding layer. A nematic liquid crystal is used as core of the waveguiding devices. Experimental results on polarizing properties and single mode propagation of infrared light are presented and discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
