Polymer optical waveguide and method for fabricating the same

摘要

The present invention discloses a polymer optical waveguide and a method of fabricating the same. The polymer optical waveguide comprises a core formed of polymer containing fluoride (F) of a 12-37 wt % on the basis of total weight of the polymer, and having repeating units with at least two -C(=O)-N-C(=O) functional groups or at least four -N-C(=O)- functional groups; and a cladding in contact with the core and formed of polymer having a refractive index lower than the polymer for forming the core. If a core layer is etched according to the ICP etching method, the etch rate becomes at least three times faster than that of the conventional RIE etching method. Also, etching characteristics including uniformity of an etched plane and vertical profile are improved, thereby reducing damage to an optical waveguide. Thus, the light scattering loss of the optical waveguide can be minimized. Also, the method for fabricating of a polymer optical waveguide according to the present invention is useful for mass production of polymer optical waveguides.