Hybrid polymer based Bragg grating sensors – Fundamental investigations and application

Hybrid polymer based Bragg grating sensors - Fundamental investigations and application

(Third Party Funds Single)

Overall project:
Project leader:
Project members:
Start date: 1. October 2013
End date:
Acronym: FR 713/10-2
Funding source: DFG-Einzelförderung / Sachbeihilfe (EIN-SBH)
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Abstract

Aim of the project, entitled “Hybrid polymer based Bragg grating sensors - Fundamental investigations and application”, is the development of a new and innovative manufacturing method in order to fabricate photonic structures and devices. The novelty, from a technological perspective, is the combination of UV-enhanced substrate conformal imprint lithography (UV-SCIL) as a wafer-scale patterning technique used to imprint three-dimensional photonic structures into hybrid polymers and the UV-enhanced inscription of Bragg gratings into pre-structured elements. This combination enables a fabrication of three-dimensional photonic circuits using only two major process steps. Further on, a low surface roughness for reduced attenuation losses as well as a high accuracy of the transferred structures is expected by applying UV-SCIL. Waveguides, couplers and integrated Bragg gratings will be realized within the project. Such elements will be combined to a sensor element, which will then be qualified for sensing applications. Such fabricated devices are applicable for i.e. gas detection. Another main topic, which will be addressed within the project, is concerning material specific investigations. Chemical processes will be identified, leading to a UV-induced modification of the refractive index of hybrid polymers. Further on, the impact of humidity on photonic devices made from this material class will be analyzed. In parallel, a complete simulation of the inscription process of the Bragg gratings will be performed in order to support and round up the experimental work.  

 

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