Waveguide Loss Measurement Method Using Self-Written Waveguide Technique
O. Sugihara, S. Yasuda and T. Kaino
Self-written polymeric optical waveguides were fabricated in photopolymerizing resin solution using a plastic optical fiber by launching light from an Ar laser (488nm) through the fiber. The waveguides were automatically grown by penetrating through the partial reflection mirrors. New waveguide loss measurement method is proposed and demonstrated based on this phenomenon. By detecting powers reflected and transmitted from the mirrors self-written waveguide loss can be estimated. Total measurement time was ~1/10 compared with that measured by conventional cut-back method.