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PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingConference contributionResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Andreas Evertz
  • Laura Fütterer
  • Ludger Overmeyer

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Interconnects and Packaging 2025
EditorsRay T. Chen, Henning Schroder
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (electronic)9781510684928
Publication statusPublished - 30 Mar 2025
EventSPIE Photonics West OPTO 2025 - San Francisco, United States, San Francisco, United States
Duration: 25 Jan 202531 Jan 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13372
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (electronic)1996-756X

Abstract

Flexographic printing of optical waveguides is a technology primarily suitable for cm-range waveguide structures. So far, these waveguides have been implemented on PMMA substrates, achieving optical attenuations at around 1 dB/cm. In this domain, optical network structures are already available since the waveguide application process widely relies on parallel material transfer. Integrating such waveguide structures as an optical interlayer in PCB has been challenging due to the unsuitable thermal stability of PMMA substrate. With PI as an established substrate in PCB processes, optical cladding structures must be printed to enable optical waveguiding. The first results show a significant attenuation increase compared to PMMA-based waveguides. This research demonstrates and characterizes EOCB based on flexo-printed waveguides. These waveguides are manufactured using a novel fixed-sheet printing machine designated for functional printing. Thus, high infeed accuracy in the single-micron range can be achieved, and so far, unseen material transfer precision can be shown. The printing process for each optical layer is evaluated according to confocal measurements. Waveguide networks are integrated into a demonstration PCB system, and their split ratio and optical attenuation are measured. Finally, use cases such as bidirectional optical couplers for polymer optical fibers are highlighted, which utilize the novel integrated waveguides.

Keywords

    Electro-Optical Circuit Board, High-Volume Additive Manufacturing, Integrated Optics, Printed Optical Waveguides

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cite this

PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures. / Evertz, Andreas; Fütterer, Laura; Overmeyer, Ludger.
Optical Interconnects and Packaging 2025. ed. / Ray T. Chen; Henning Schroder. SPIE, 2025. 133720W (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering; Vol. 13372).

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingConference contributionResearchpeer review

Evertz, A, Fütterer, L & Overmeyer, L 2025, PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures. in RT Chen & H Schroder (eds), Optical Interconnects and Packaging 2025., 133720W, Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, vol. 13372, SPIE, SPIE Photonics West OPTO 2025, San Francisco, California, United States, 25 Jan 2025. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3041905
Evertz, A., Fütterer, L., & Overmeyer, L. (2025). PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures. In R. T. Chen, & H. Schroder (Eds.), Optical Interconnects and Packaging 2025 Article 133720W (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering; Vol. 13372). SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3041905
Evertz A, Fütterer L, Overmeyer L. PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures. In Chen RT, Schroder H, editors, Optical Interconnects and Packaging 2025. SPIE. 2025. 133720W. (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering). doi: 10.1117/12.3041905
Evertz, Andreas ; Fütterer, Laura ; Overmeyer, Ludger. / PCB integrated flexo-printed waveguide network structures. Optical Interconnects and Packaging 2025. editor / Ray T. Chen ; Henning Schroder. SPIE, 2025. (Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering).
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