Determination of light propagation loss dependence on planar waveguide surface roughness

R.Usans, E.Nitiss, M.Rutkis, J.Busenbergs Institute of Solid State physics, University of Latvia, 8 Kengaraga street, LV-1063, Latvia
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Moving fibre method. 1. Light beam 2. Prism 3. Polymer [DMABI + PMMA] 4. Glass 5. Pneumatic cylinder 6. Step motor 7. Optical fibre 8. Detector

Figure 1. Optical setup for measuring light propagation losses in planar waveguides

Due to rapid developments in telecommunications and computing technologies, there has been an increasing demand for faster data transmission. As result of that, demand for faster active devices that could cope with demands has appeared. Presently widely used electro-optical devices that operate using LiNbO3 have almost reached their possibilities and can not satisfy rising demands. One of the ways how to satisfy data transmission speed requirements is to use non-linear optical (NLO) polymer materials in electro-optical devices. The main components of the mentioned devices are the optical waveguides which must possess several important qualities. One of the most important optical parameters of the waveguide is the optical propagation loss which is caused by light absorption and scattering on the boundary and in the volume of the waveguide. For estimation of light propagation we implemented moving fiber method. In this work we will report our experience gained using moving fibre method and provide measurement results of optical loss dependence on surface roughness of doped PMMA planar waveguides.

Figure 1 represents scheme of experimental device which was made to determine light propagation loss dependence on planar waveguide as a function of surface roughness. The samples were Spin-Coated from a DMABI+PMMA 10wt% solution at the thickness of 1,5m. By varying spin coating time, but maintaining the acceleration and rotation speed constant, we were able to obtain samples with different surface roughness which was determined by surface profilometer Vecco Dektak 150 (see Figure 2). Optical contact was made by pressing the sample to the prism using a pneumatic cylinder. The light is then coupled into the sample at resonance angles allowing the optical mode propagate through the planar waveguide. Some part of the light is scattered. This scattered light is associated with the optical losses in the waveguide. Typical waveguide loss measurement is shown in Figure 3. The loss as a function of propagation length is characterized by the following equation: I=A*exp{-x*}, where A characterizes the light intensity at x=0 and is determined by coupling efficiency, x - is light propagation distance, loss coefficient.
4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 0 1000 2000 3000 Position on surface, m 4000 10000 Intensity of light, a.u 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 0 Experimental 2 4 6 8 10 Theoretical Fibre Position [x], mm Attenuation A, dB/cm 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 Square of surface roughness, SD, nm y = 0.0008x + 9.5098 R = 0.699

Surface uniformity, m

Figure 2. Surface roughness measurement using Vecco Dektak 150

Figure 3. Light intensity measured using optical setup

Figure 4. Attenuation as a function of surface square roughness

Results It is important to note that according to theory the light propagation losses should increase quadratically as the surface roughness increases (Tien_1971). We measured the light propagation losses as a function of square of surface roughness (see Figure 4). The experimental data are approximated using a linear function. Then the intercept characterizes losses due to other effect such as absorption or scattering. The slope determines relation between the surface roughness and propagation loss. It can be noticed that surface roughness has an important role in the overall propagation loss. For the same material for the measured optical loss range from the surface roughness can vary up to 56%. However, since the surface scattering also determines the amplitude A, for correct measurement of light propagation the surface should have sufficient roughness. Eventually for implementation of particular waveguides into devices the surface roughness should be as low as possible.

This work has been supported by ERDF project (agreement No. 2010/0308/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/051) and by the European Social Fund within the project Support for Doctoral Studies at University of Latvia.

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