Absorbing layer for minimizing substrate exposure during the UV writing of a waveguide grating in addition to a birefringent control system

摘要

A waveguide having photosensitive properties is disclosed comprising: a waveguide substrate; a first cladding layer formed on the waveguide substrate; a UV absorbing layer formed on the first cladding layer; a UV sensitive layer having optical transmission properties adapted to be changed with UV irradiation, the layer formed on or closely adjacent the UV absorbing layer; and a second cladding layer, being substantially UV transparent, on the UV sensitive layer. Preferably, there is further provided a third cladding layer intermediate of the UV absorbing layer and the UV sensitive layer. The UV absorbing layer comprises a germanosilicate material. The absorbing layer can be adapted to change a physical property upon UV absorption. The UV absorbing layer can be variable thickness, the thickness being in accordance with predetermined requirements.