title: Nanoimprint of a 3D structure on an optical fiber for light wavefront manipulation.
abstract: Integration of complex photonic structures onto optical fiber facets enables powerful platforms with unprecedented optical functionalities. Conventional nanofabrication technologies, however, do not permit viable integration of complex photonic devices onto optical fibers owing to their low throughput and high cost. In this paper we report the fabrication of a three-dimensional structure achieved by direct nanoimprint lithography on the facet of an optical fiber. Nanoimprint processes and tools were specifically developed to enable a high lithographic accuracy and coaxial alignment of the optical device with respect to the fiber core. To demonstrate the capability of this new approach, a 3D beam splitter has been designed, imprinted and optically characterized. Scanning electron microscopy and optical measurements confirmed the good lithographic capabilities of the proposed approach as well as the desired optical performance of the imprinted structure. The inexpensive solution presented here should enable advancements in areas such as integrated optics and sensing, achieving enhanced portability and versatility of fiber optic components.
authors: aBeam Technologies Inc., 22290 Foothill Blvd. St. 2, Hayward, CA 94541, USA.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Calafiore
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Koshelev
authors: Frances I
authors: FI
authors: Allen
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: Dhuey
authors: Simone
authors: S
authors: Sassolini
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Wong
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Lum
authors: Keiko
authors: K
authors: Munechika
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Cabrini