title: Flexible polymeric rib waveguide with self-align couplers system.
abstract: The authors report a polymeric based rib waveguide with U shape self-align fiber couplers system using a simple micromolding process with SU8 as a molding material and polydimethysiloxane as a waveguide material. The material is used for its good optical transparency, low surface tension, biocompatibility, and durability. Furthermore, the material is highly formable. This unique fabrication molding technique provides a means of keeping the material and manufacturing costs to a minimum. The self-align fiber couplers system also proves a fast and simple means of light coupling. The flexible nature of the waveguide material makes this process ideal for a potential wearable optical sensor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-2600.
authors.forename: Cheng-Sheng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Wei-Chih
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Wang