Fabrication of polymeric waveguides by using vapor transportation method

We have developed a simple process method, "vapor transportation method", for surface treatments and functionalization of polymeric materials. The method is addition of versatile functions to the solid polymeric materials with treatment of vapors under vacuum. Polymeric waveguides can be easily fabricated using the method. Exposing rods of transparent polymer, poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), by vapor of organofluorine compounds, fluorinated esters, with lower refractive indices made the organofluorines dispersed into the PMMA from the surface. The refractive index of the organofluorine-doped PMMA surface was decreased and a cladding layer was formed. The core was the central part of the rod, which was the PMMA without dispersion of organofluorines. The properties of the waveguides made by the method were characterized. The refractive index and thickness of the cladding layer can be controlled by conditions of vapor transportation, such as treatment time and temperature.