New reactive polymeric systems for use as waveguide materials in integrated optics

Cross-linked polymeric materials are used in a wide range of applications. Special compositions are used in micro-system technologies and its utilization is extending to integrated optics. We have been working for several years in the field of polymers for optical applications. Highly fluorinated polycyanurate systems have been proven as promising waveguide materials in integrated optics. The refractive index can be adjusted reproducibly in a wide range almost continuously. The layer quality was optimized. Low optical losses of less than 0.3 dB/cm@1550nm were obtained and working optical prototypes were developed. The birefringence had been a major problem, but this was solved by adjusting the coefficient of thermal expansion of substrate and film. We will report in this paper on the polycyanurate ester resins and the new triazine containing polymeric systems.