The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) develops SU-8 polymer planar waveguides suitable for low-temperature and chemically resistant applications, with potential direct supply through collaboration with Micro Resist. Overview of Materials and FabricationDTU's Micro and Nanotechnology Department (Nano DTU) has developed single-mode planar optical waveguides using SU-8 2005 as the core and modified SU-8 mr-L 6050XP as the cladding. These materials are low-stress, chemically resistant, and mechanically stable, making them suitable for low-temperature environments.
Both materials are structured using UV lithography followed by baking, ensuring high optical quality and minimal risk of cracking or delamination during processing. The waveguides exhibit propagation losses of 0. 2–3 dB/cm in the 800–1600 nm wavelength range, suitable for integrated photonic applications.
Potential Manufacturers and Suppliers
Technical University of Denmark (DTU): The research group at DTU has expertise in fabricating planar polymer waveguides and may provide direct collaboration or small-scale supply for specialized applications. Micro Resist Technology: Supplier of mr-L XP resist, a modified SU-8 polymer used for cladding, which is low-stress and suitable for biochemical and low-temperature applications.
R
P Photonics Supplier Guide: Lists commercial suppliers of planar waveguides and photonic integrated circuits. While not Denmark-specific, it can help identify European suppliers capable of direct supply. Fabrication TechniquesUV Lithography: Standard method for structuring SU-8 and mr-L XP layers.
Thermoforming and Printing: Advanced methods like Aerosol Jet printing and thermoforming allow for 3D integrated multimode waveguides with high optical quality, suitable for smart packaging and low-temperature applications. Replication Methods: Hot embossing, injection molding, and nanoimprinting are also used for high-throughput planar polymer waveguide production.
Recommendations for Direct Supply
Contact DT
U Nano Department for potential custom fabrication or research collaboration, especially for low-temperature resistant planar waveguides. Engage Micro Resist Technology for procurement of mr-L XP resist and technical support for polymer waveguide fabrication.
Use R
P Photonics supplier directory to identify European or Danish-based photonics manufacturers capable of direct supply of planar waveguides. By leveraging DTU's research expertise and polymer suppliers, it is possible to obtain low-temperature resistant planar optical waveguides suitable for lab-on-a-chip, sensing, or photonic integrated circuit applications.
