Optics, Photonics & Lasers

Biography

Biography: Guy Stéphan

Abstract

Transverse polarizations in planar optical waveguides are reduced to the two well-known linear TE and TM polarizations. As a consequence, any set-up requiring other polarizations, especially the circular polarization (chiral sensing, 3D-display, quantum optics...), cannot take the full advantage of integrated optics. Here we report on the first achievement of planar optical chirowaveguides capable of propagating any expected state of polarization. While keeping the planar geometry of the device, the planar symmetry is overcome by using a chiral material for the guiding core. We developed chiral organically modified silica (OrMoSil) based chirowaveguides using the simple dip coating technique. Their refractive indexes (RI) can be modulated by triethoxysilane doping. The polarization of the two fundamental guided modes is measured on 3 cm long waveguides. We demonstrated that the polarization can be varied from linear to nearly circular depending on the RI contrast and the core thickness. These unprecedented achievements allow additional possibilities to planar waveguides that can give rise to novel highly integrated photonic devices based on circularly polarized light propagation.