Extrusion of polymer waveguides onto surfaces
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAntonio R. Gallo, James J. McDonough, Gordon J. Robbins, Robert R. Shaw
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AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAntonio R. Gallo, James J. McDonough, Gordon J. Robbins, Robert R. Shaw
Estimating the term…
A waveguide structure is directly extruded onto a surface from a nozzle placed a predetermined distance above the surface and which is moved relative to the surface, preferably by means of a translation table. The predetermined distance is preferably maintained constant and the speed of relative motion regulated to achieve a uniform degree of molecular orientation within the extruded material, thus maintaining a sufficiently uniform refractive index along the axis of the waveguide. Partitions within the nozzle allow the formation of a layered waveguide or the simultaneous formation of concentric cladding or protective layers. The waveguides are advantageously formed as a curtain which is later patterned, by direct writing on the surface or between chips mounted on an electronic module.
A method of forming a waveguide on a surface, said method including the steps of
A waveguide having all gradients of refractive index therein oriented approximately along an optical axis of said waveguide formed on a surface by a process including the steps of
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.