OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME

摘要

[PROBLEMS] To form an optical waveguide having a self-formed branch. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] Laser light (2) from a laser light source (not shown) is condensed through a lens (3) and guided to the incident end (10) of an optical fiber (1). LP<SUB>11</SUB> mode exits an exit end (11) and "twin-peaks" of light intensity are arranged in the horizontal direction (1.A). A slide glass (4) coated with a gel UV-curing resin (5) is arranged in the horizontal direction (1.B). When laser light in LP<SUB>11</SUB> mode exits the exit end (11) of the optical fiber (1), one linear cured product (61) is formed (1.C). A branch portion (62) is formed at a position of distance L from the exit end (11) of the optical fiber (1) as the time elapses, and two columnar cured products (63a, 63b) grow continuously. The two columnar cured products (63a, 63b) are linear branches making an angle of about 4°. An optical wave guide (60) consisting of the cured products (61, 62, 63a, 63b) is thereby formed (1.D).