Abstract
In this master thesis, different processing and patterning methods for the manufacture of optical waveguides based on silicone resins on printed circuit boards have been studied and compared. First of all, the application, by using a semi automatic stencil printing machine, for the required CLAD / CORE / CLAD system was optimized. The exposure itself was carried out with standard exposure systems, which are used in semiconductor and electronics industry, such as mask exposure as well as UV-Laser exposure and the “Laser-direct-Imaging” method. Important process parameters related to heat treatment and UV intensity have been adapted to the laboratory equipment and substrate materials, which are applied by the company partner. The assessment of the cross-section and the waveguide surface structure was performed by using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To appoint the key figures, which are important for the optical performance, optical loss measurements (“cut-back”) and refractive index measurements (“refractive near field” were carried out. Especially UV-Laser and “Laser-direct-Imaging” structured waveguides showed a good performance regarding the desired rectangular cross-sectional shape with an edge length of 50 microns, good optical properties and a convenient handling in combination with a fully automated CNC-unit and the best reproducibility. In contrast, mask exposed waveguides suffered from non rectangular shape, surface defects at the sidewalls and poor reproducibility.
Translated title of the contribution | Process evaluation for the manufacture of optical waveguides on printed circuit boards |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dipl.-Ing. |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 1 Jul 2011 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until 23-05-2016Keywords
- Silicone
- optics
- waveguides
- patterning
- photochemistry