Elastic Interconnection of Optical Fibers using Self-Written Waveguides

There is an increasing demand of spatially denser photonic structures as evidenced by the introduction of multi-core optical fibers, large scale photonics integration and miniaturized optical fiber sensors. As the packaging density increases so does the necessity of waveguide interconnections that are easily realized while being optically functional. A promising interconnection approach comes in the form of self-written waveguides (SWWs) because of their recording process without employing complex beam projection systems. Such waveguide interconnections have been previously demonstrated by using photo-polymerization methods [1] and SWWs have also been used in order to homogenize multimode optical fiber beams [2]. In this work, the connection of two single mode optical fibers by means of a self-written rubbery waveguide is demonstrated, using viscoelastic polymer solutions known to present self-written patterning upon laser irradiation [3].