Using a micro-molding process to fabricate polymeric wavelength filters

A procedure for fabricating a high aspect ratio periodic structure on a UV polymer at submicron order using holographic interferometry and molding processes is described. First, holographic interferometry using a He–Cd (325 nm) laser was used to create the master of the periodic line structure on an i-line sub-micron positive photoresist film. A 20 nm nickel thin film was then sputtered on the photoresist. The final line pattern on a UV polymer was obtained from casting against the master mold. Finally, a SU8 polymer was spun on the polymer grating to form a planar waveguide or a channel waveguide. The measurement results show that the waveguide length could be reduced for the waveguide having gratings with a high aspect ratio.