Patent ID: 10197732

Abstract:
Methods of forming ion-exchanged waveguides in glass substrates are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a waveguide in an ion-exchanged glass substrate having an ion-exchanged layer extending from a surface to a depth of layer of the ion-exchanged glass substrate includes locally heating at least one band at the surface of the ion-exchanged glass substrate to diffuse ions in the ion-exchanged layer within the at least one band. A concentration of ions within the at least one band is less than a concentration of ions outside of the at least one band, and at least one waveguide is defined within the ion-exchanged layer adjacent the at least one band. In some embodiments, the at least one waveguide is embedded within the ion-exchanged glass substrate such that an upper surface of the at least one waveguide is below the surface of the glass substrate by a depth d.