Freeform Waveguides
Freeform Waveguides - Related Videos
07:28
Terahertz Microfluidic Sensing Using a Parallel-plate Waveguide Sensor
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Cited by 3 •
2012
The procedure for implementing a refractive index sensor for terahertz frequencies based on a grooved parallel-plate waveguide geometry is described here. The method yields a measurement of the refractive index of a small volume of liquid through monitoring of the shift in the resonant frequency of the waveguide...
11:08
Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities
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Cited by 14 •
2012
Use of photonic crystal slow light waveguides and cavities has been widely adopted by the photonics community in many differing applications. Therefore fabrication and characterization of these devices are of great interest. This paper outlines our fabrication technique and two optical characterization methods, namely: interferometric (waveguides) and resonant scattering (cavities).
08:01
Fabrication of Zero Mode Waveguides for High Concentration Single Molecule Microscopy
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Cited by 3 •
2020
Described here is a nanosphere lithography method for parallel fabrication of zero mode waveguides, which are arrays of nanoapertures in a metal-clad glass microscopy coverslip for single molecule imaging at nano- to micromolar concentrations of fluorophores. The method takes advantage of colloidal crystal self-assembly to create a waveguide template.
10:35
Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials
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2014
Disordered structures offer new mechanisms for forming photonic bandgaps and unprecedented freedom in functional-defect designs. To circumvent the computational challenges of disordered systems, we construct modular macroscopic samples of the new class of PBG materials and use microwaves to characterize their scale-invariant photonic properties, in an easy and inexpensive manner.
10:48
How to Detect Amygdala Activity with Magnetoencephalography using Source Imaging
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Cited by 27 •
2013
This article describes how to record amygdala activity with magnetoencephalography (MEG). In addition this article will describe how to conduct trace fear conditioning without awareness, a task that activates the amygdala. It will cover 3 topics: 1) Designing a trace conditioning paradigm using backward masking to manipulate awareness. 2) Recording brain activity during the task using magnetoencephalography. 3) Using source imaging to recover signal from subcortical structures.
FAQs
Light remains guided when the structure’s refractive-index contrast supports total internal reflection or another guided mode. The field therefore stays concentrated near the intended path rather than spreading freely into surrounding material. Selecting the confinement mechanism is important because it establishes whether a proposed three-dimensional route can transmit optical signals with the required stability and efficiency.
Curvature, cross-section, and material properties jointly determine how well light follows a freeform route. Changes in curvature can increase propagation loss, while cross-sectional dimensions affect the supported optical behavior; material properties also influence performance. Engineering these variables together matters because a geometrically compact path is useful only if it preserves acceptable optical transmission.
Unlike conventional straight or planar waveguide layouts, Freeform Waveguides can change direction and occupy three-dimensional paths. This distinction allows optical connections or components to be placed more flexibly within a compact system. The benefit is not simply geometric freedom: every added shape or bend must be evaluated against its effect on propagation loss and overall signal integrity.
Geometry and fabrication determine whether the intended optical path and confinement conditions are actually achieved. Small departures in shape, cross-section, or material properties can alter propagation behavior and increase losses. Careful control is therefore central to maintaining signal integrity, especially when a design uses complex routing to reduce system size or connect components in unusual positions.
Engineering begins by selecting the required three-dimensional route and component locations, then defining a suitable cross-section, curvature, and material combination. Designers must verify that the resulting structure supports guided propagation and acceptable losses. Fabrication control follows, because the produced geometry must remain close enough to the design to preserve optical performance and signal integrity.
They are useful when an optical system benefits from compact routing or flexible component placement. Applications identified for this approach include optical interconnects, integrated photonic devices, sensors, and display systems. In each case, the three-dimensional path can expand layout options, while the final design still depends on controlling geometry, materials, fabrication, and propagation losses.
Engineers can assess whether the structure maintains guided propagation, how its geometry influences propagation losses, and whether the route preserves signal integrity. These evaluations connect physical design choices with system-level suitability. They help determine whether a compact layout is practical for an interconnect, photonic device, sensor, or display application rather than merely possible in principle.