Patent ID: 6567599
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
An improved annealed proton exchange method of manufacturing an integrated optic device to provide an optical waveguide disposed on a first surface of a substrate of crystalline material, said method comprising the steps of:masking said substrate to define an optical waveguide portion on said first surface; immersing said substrate in a heated bath comprising a strong acid; and subjecting said substrate to annealing, said annealing comprising first and second anneal cycles, said first cycle comprising heating said substrate in accordance with a first predetermined rate curve to a first elevated temperature and cooling said substrate in accordance with a second predetermined rate curve to a first low temperature, said first low temperature being lower than said first elevated temperature by a first predetermined amount, and said second cycle being subsequent to said first anneal cycle and comprising heating said substrate above said first low temperature in accordance with a third predetermined rate curve to a second elevated temperature and cooling said substrate from said second elevated temperature in accordance with a fourth predetermined rate curve to a second low temperature that is lower than said second elevated temperature by a second predetermined amount.