Characterization and sensor properties of sol-gel SiO2:TiO2 film/ion-exchange glass optical waveguides

The paper presents the characterization and sensor properties of composite sol-gel SiO2:TiO2 film/ion-exchange glass optical waveguides. In the theoretical part of the paper the analysis involving the influence of the parameters of a uniform waveguide film on homogeneous sensitivity has been presented. It has been shown that the highest sensitivity can be obtained making use of the interference of TM0-TM1 modes. In the experimental part of the work the manufacturing technology of composite sol-gel SiO2:TiO2 film/ion-exchange glass optical waveguides has been described and the analysis results of the produced structures have been presented. The paper presents the influence of the thickness of the uniform waveguide film and the influence of the refractive index of the cover on effective refractive indexes. The produced waveguide structures are characterized by high homogeneous sensitivity.