Low-loss three-dimensional printed ridge waveguides using stereolithography

Abstract

Ridge waveguides were three-dimensional printed using a stereolithography printer and hydrogel resin formulation. The ridge waveguides were 13, 20, and 30 μm wide, 3 to 6 μm high, and 4.4 mm long. The loss of the waveguides was measured using the cutback method and ranged between 0.28 and 1.2 cm - 1 (or 1.2 and 5.2 dB / cm) with transmittances up to 0.94 (0.27 dB coupling loss) using 635 nm light. Our work demonstrates a quick and inexpensive method to fabricate integrated photonic chips with the promise to fabricate more complex photonic devices and systems.