Integriert optische Sensoren auf Polymerbasis

The sensor includes unburied waveguides (2) located in a waveguide substrate (1), of whose surface which is allocated to the waveguides is covered by a layer (3) of sensor-active polymeric materials which is not optically insulated from the waveguides. The optical and electrical properties of the active polymeric material may be changed by external physical influences. The retractive index of the waveguides is greater than the polymeric layer. At least two electrodes (4,5) are arranged in the region of the waveguides. Also claimed is the use of the above sensor as a bi-directional transducer between light waves conducted in the waveguides and the physical and/or chemical properties of the polymer layer. Pref. the polymer layer is composed of an electro-optical, piezoelectric, pyroelectric or ferroelectric polymer. The electrodes are pref. composed at least partially of an indium-tin oxide layer, an aluminium layer, a gold layer or a silver layer. The metal layer is pref. composed of si lver. USE - For use as a bi-directional transducer between light waves conducted in the waveguides and the physical and/or chemical properties of the polymer layer (claimed). For e.g. communications and news media technology, laser technology, environmental and bio-sensory analysis for electric field detection. Also for detection of e.g. temp., liquid or gas substance, mechanical or electrical deformation or oscillation, and changes in optical intensity and polarisation. ADVANTAGE - Has low optical losses by reducing scatter or light wave, couples well to fibre waveguides, and is versatile w.r.t. applications for detecting wide range of external variables. Is simply and reliably produced.