Patent ID: 6773615
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: C03C,G02B,G02F

Abstract:
A method of producing a core/clad planar waveguide device including a core and a cladding, said core being enclosed between an underlying layer comprised in said cladding and a covering layer having the same refractive index as the underlying layer and comprised in said cladding, wherein said cladding includes grooves having a direct interface with said core, the method comprising:(a) depositing a core layer on the underlying layer of the cladding, said core layer being formed into cores in the final product; (b) etching said core layer to produce a shaped layer which includes a first portion and a second portion, (b1) the first portion having the core configuration intended in the final product, and (b2) the second portion having side edges which extend beyond the intended core boundary; (c) depositing the covering layer of the cladding over said etched core layer; and (d) etching through said covering layer and into said second portion of the core layer to produce said grooves, said etching removing material extending beyond the intended core boundary to produce the direct interface between the core and the grooves.