Long-wave infrared(LWIR, 8–14 μm) photonics is a rapidly growing research field within the mid-IR with applications in molecular spectroscopy and optical free-space communication. LWIR applications are often address...Long-wave infrared(LWIR, 8–14 μm) photonics is a rapidly growing research field within the mid-IR with applications in molecular spectroscopy and optical free-space communication. LWIR applications are often addressed using rather bulky tabletop-sized free-space optical systems, preventing advanced photonic applications,such as rapid-time-scale experiments. Here, device miniaturization into photonic integrated circuits(PICs) with maintained optical capabilities is key to revolutionize mid-IR photonics. Subwavelength mode confinement in plasmonic structures enabled such miniaturization approaches in the visible-to-near-IR spectral range. However,adopting plasmonics for the LWIR needs suitable low-loss and-dispersion materials with compatible integration strategies to existing mid-IR technology. In this paper, we further unlock the field of LWIR/mid-IR PICs by combining photolithographic patterning of organic polymers with dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton(DLSPP) waveguides. In particular, polyethylene shows favorable optical properties, including low refractive index and broad transparency between ~2 μm and 200 μm. We investigate the whole value chain, including design, fabrication, and characterization of polyethylene-based DLSPP waveguides and demonstrate their first-time plasmonic operation and mode guiding capabilities along S-bend structures. Low bending losses of ~1.3 d B and straight-section propagation lengths of ~1 mm, pave the way for unprecedented complex on-chip mid-IR photonic devices. Moreover, DLSPPs allow full control of the mode parameters(propagation length and guiding capabilities) for precisely addressing advanced sensing and telecommunication applications with chip-scale devices.展开更多
基金Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (780240,828893)Austrian Science Fund (M2485-N34)MEYS CR(LM2018110)。
文摘Long-wave infrared(LWIR, 8–14 μm) photonics is a rapidly growing research field within the mid-IR with applications in molecular spectroscopy and optical free-space communication. LWIR applications are often addressed using rather bulky tabletop-sized free-space optical systems, preventing advanced photonic applications,such as rapid-time-scale experiments. Here, device miniaturization into photonic integrated circuits(PICs) with maintained optical capabilities is key to revolutionize mid-IR photonics. Subwavelength mode confinement in plasmonic structures enabled such miniaturization approaches in the visible-to-near-IR spectral range. However,adopting plasmonics for the LWIR needs suitable low-loss and-dispersion materials with compatible integration strategies to existing mid-IR technology. In this paper, we further unlock the field of LWIR/mid-IR PICs by combining photolithographic patterning of organic polymers with dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton(DLSPP) waveguides. In particular, polyethylene shows favorable optical properties, including low refractive index and broad transparency between ~2 μm and 200 μm. We investigate the whole value chain, including design, fabrication, and characterization of polyethylene-based DLSPP waveguides and demonstrate their first-time plasmonic operation and mode guiding capabilities along S-bend structures. Low bending losses of ~1.3 d B and straight-section propagation lengths of ~1 mm, pave the way for unprecedented complex on-chip mid-IR photonic devices. Moreover, DLSPPs allow full control of the mode parameters(propagation length and guiding capabilities) for precisely addressing advanced sensing and telecommunication applications with chip-scale devices.
