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The careful characterization of the polymer waveguides in terms of optical
properties (e.g. optical losses and modal dispersion) as well as reliability
(environmental stability) is one of the main tasks of a successful waveguide
technology development.
The waveguide propagation losses belong to the most decisive properties.
Based on our power budget considerations for a complete optical link of
up to 1 m length we anticipate a propagation loss of ≥0.05 dB/cm
at λ = 850 nm VCSEL wavelength. For the evaluation of appropriate
low-loss polymer materials, we established a very accurate loss measurement
method based on small-footprint 100-cm-long waveguide spirals.
In the course of our polymer evaluation, we found several polymer systems
which can fulfill the loss expectations of 0.05 dB/cm at λ = 850
nm.
In the course of our polymer evaluation, we found several polymer systems
which can fulfill the loss expectations of ≥0.05 dB/cm at λ
= 850 nm.
With other waveguide test structures as bendings, crossings, splitters
we determined further key data characterizing our waveguides:
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bending loss: 0.1 dB per 180° bending with 20 mm
radius, |
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crossing loss: 0.02 dB per perpendicular crossing, |
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waveguide splitter loss: 0.1 dB per 1:1 splitter, |
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modal dispersion: open eyes @ 12.5 Gb/s (measured with
100-cm-long waveguide spiral: 50 µm core). |
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