Fabrication of integrated waveguide grating in azo polymers.

In this Letter, we have introduced a technique, new to our knowledge, to fabricate gratings on a waveguide of azo-functionalized polymeric films using a slit mask and a fast, direct-writing method. To prevent the destruction of the waveguide by the grating formation on the waveguide, we placed a slit mask on the waveguide. By properly adjusting the resonance, this grating can be used as an integrated wavelength filter. We have produced an attenuation of 13.4 dB at 1562 nm with a FWHM of 3.45 nm. The grating has been fabricated as narrow as the width of the waveguide to couple filtered light into the waveguide by using a slit mask. Any light shifted from the resonance will pass through the waveguide undisturbed.

Two-dimensional photonic crystal for optical channel separation in azo polymers.

We have fabricated a two-dimensional photonic crystal that functions as a two-channel add/drop filter on azo-functionalized polymeric films using a fast, direct-writing method. By properly adjusting the resonance, this structure can be used as a multichannel add/drop filter in the plane of the film. Here, we were able to separate two channels at 1555.7 and 1570.7 nm with attenuation of 13.1 dB and FWHM of 6.7 nm for each channel. The separated channels were directed towards the sides at an approximately 90 degrees angle with respect to the input direction.

Add/drop filter using in-plane slanted gratings in azo polymers.

We have fabricated in-plane slanted gratings on azo-functionalized polymeric films using a fast, direct-writing method. By properly adjusting the resonance, these gratings can be used as 90 degrees integrated reflectors and add/drop filters in the plane of the film. We have produced an attenuation of 14.8 dB at 1560.2 nm with a FWHM of 6.47 nm. Also, a signal of 1548 nm wavelength was added to the output from a different direction. Any light shifted from the resonance will pass through the filter undisturbed.