Fabrication and characterization benzocyclobutene (BCB) polymer optical waveguide

Abstract

The traditional waveguide structure uses different materials in each layer. However, several different materials have a weakness, that when put under stress a phenomenon of birefringence may occur. Therefore, the data transmission error rate will increase. In my project, I will study the use of a unitary material Benzocyclobutene (BCB) polymer to construct a waveguide that can effectively minimize the data transmission error rate by reducing the impact of stress at the interface between layers of the waveguide. In addition, I will study the characteristic relationship between the BCB index and using the different gases, Oxygen and Nitrogen, in the curing process. According to that relationship, I will study methods to control the flow rate of oxygen and control the oxygen concentration to adjust the core index. Ultimately, I will investigate novel fabrication methods to achieve a higher performing waveguide.