Development of optical wave guides by sol-gel techniques for laser patterning

Abstract

ORMOCERs with high optical performance and chemical stability are synthesized via the sol-gel process. Methacrylate group substitutated silanes are copolymerized with methacrylic acid which acts as a chemical link between Zr as second inorganic network former. Chemical stable complex formation is proved by IR analysis and 13C NMR investigations. This material is laser patternable by the addition of a suitable photoinitiator and is characerized by high dielectric strength and low optical loss for applications in opticsl and non-linear optics.