Compact Y-Branch-Type Polymeric Optical Waveguide Devices with Large-Core Connectable to Plastic Optical Fibers

Y-branch-type polymeric optical waveguides with a large core size of 1000 µm, branching angles from 2 to 10° and a branching top-part radius of 200 µm were fabricated by hot embossing. An output power ratio of 1:1 from each output port and an excessive loss of ~1.0 dB depending on branching angle were realized. A compact size Y-branch-type waveguide device with a wide branching angle was proposed.