Nanoimprint of a 3D structure on an optical fiber for light wavefront manipulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel, cost-effective nanoimprint lithography method to create complex 3D photonic structures directly on optical fiber facets, enabling advanced optical functionalities with high precision.

Contribution

The authors developed a specialized nanoimprint process for high-accuracy, coaxial alignment of 3D structures on fiber tips, demonstrating its effectiveness with a functional beam splitter.

Findings

High lithographic accuracy achieved

Successful fabrication of a 3D beam splitter

Optical characterization confirmed desired performance

Abstract

Integration of complex photonic structures onto optical fiber facets enables powerful platforms with unprecedented optical functionalities. Conventional nanofabrication technologies, however, do not permit viable integration of complex photonic devices onto optical fibers owing to their low throughput and high cost. In this paper we report the fabrication of a three dimensional structure achieved by direct Nanoimprint Lithography on the facet of an optical fiber. Nanoimprint processes and tools were specifically developed to enable a high lithographic accuracy and coaxial alignment of the optical device with respect to the fiber core. To demonstrate the capability of this new approach, a 3D beam splitter has been designed, imprinted and optically characterized. Scanning electron microscopy and optical measurements confirmed the excellent lithographic capabilities of the proposed approach as well as the desired optical performance of the imprinted structure. The inexpensive solution presented here should enable advancements in areas such as integrated optics and sensing, achieving enhanced portability and versatility of fiber optic components.