Printable thermo-optic polymer switches utilizing imprinting and ink-jet printing

We demonstrate a printable Thermo-Optic (TO) switch utilizing imprinting and ink-jet printing techniques. The material system, optical and thermal designs are discussed. Imprinting technique is used to transfer a 2 x 2 switch pattern from a flexible mold into a UV15LV polymer bottom cladding. Ink-jet printing is further used to deposit a SU-8 polymer core layer on top. Operation of the switch is experimentally demonstrated up to a frequency of 1 kHz, with switching time less than 0.5ms. The printing technique demonstrates great potential for high throughput, roll-to-roll fabrication of low cost photonic devices. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America