Waveguide Fabrication Techniques

Waveguide fabrication involves creating tiny channels that guide light signals, similar to how wires guide electricity. Techniques include photolithography, where ultraviolet light patterns a photo-sensitive material to form the waveguide structure, and etching processes that carve or remove material to shape the waveguide. Sometimes, materials like glass or polymers are deposited or patterned layer by layer to build precise pathways for light. These methods require high precision to ensure efficient light transmission, and are fundamental in making devices for telecommunications, sensors, and integrated photonic circuits.