Optical behavior of potassium ion-exchanged glass waveguides.

Optical waveguides are fabricated by potassium ion-exchange in Fisher Premium and Corning 0211 glass substrates. Variation of the maximum index change and diffusion coefficient with the potassium ion concentration is determined. The propagation loss in the single-mode waveguides is measured. A loss of as low as 0.1 dB/cm is achieved for the waveguides manufactured in Corning 0211 glass. Nearly symmetrical mode profiles are obtained using the one-step diffusion process. The effect of stress on the waveguides is investigated. The implementation of a wavelength selective optical tap and combiner in glass is suggested.