Patent ID: 6174746
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method of producing an optical waveguide, comprising the steps of:porously etching a substrate containing silicon by performing an anodic oxidation procedure in an electrolyte containing hydrofluoric acid in order to produce a layer of porous silicon having a predetermined depth;doping the etched substrate in a dopant liquid containing cations;oxidizing the layer of porous silicon to silicon dioxide at a temperature in a range of approximately 600.degree. C. to 900.degree. C.;causing the oxidized layer of porous silicon to collapse at a temperature in a range of approximately 1050.degree. C. to 1150.degree. C.;covering a surface of the collapsed layer of porous silicon in a pattern using a lithographic technique; andreplacing the cations with silver ions in uncovered areas of the surface of the layer of porous silicon by bringing the surface in contact with a solution containing one of silver ions and silver complex ions.