A Fiber-Integrated Optical Component Fabricated Via Photopolymerization: Mode-Selective Grating Coupler

Abstract

We demonstrate a mode-selective directional coupler based on a grating structure, which is fabricated by laser direct-writing on a photopolymer thin film. The device is implemented on the flat planar surface of the D-Fiber, enabling fiber integration, where an Acrylamide/Polyvinyl Alcohol based photopolymer material is used in the fabrication of the device. While the refractive index modulation properties of the polymer material are well known, surface relief and corrugation properties due to photopolymerization are investigated in this study. Theoretical model of the device is presented together with the optimization and simulation results of the final device; experimental results have been found to be in good agreement with simulations.