Polymer based arrayed waveguide grating spectrometer

An optical spectrometer is one of the key components of an optical measuring system. The aim of the Collaborative Research Centre “PlanOS” funded by the German Research foundation (DFG) is to realize a planar polymer foil with integrated devices for optical sensing of different physical parameters like strain, temperature, etc. In this work, a wavelength dispersive planar optical element based on arrayed waveguides is analyzed with respect to its suitability as polymer film spectrometer. The concept and fabrication of this optical device will be shown. Simulation and first experimental results showing the spectral filter curve of the designed polymeric arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) on a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) foil will be presented. Furthermore, investigations were performed to achieve athermal behaviour for PMMA by the implementation of zinc oxide nanostructures. Obtained results will be shown and discussed during the conference.