This course provides attendees with a basic working knowledge of modeling and fabrication of integrated optics devices that are required in fiber communication systems. After an introduction on waveguide fabrication technologies, with focus on sol-gel and ion exchange, and characterization techniques, several devices (e.g. for WDM systems) are analyzed in detail. Current and perspective optical systems specifications and applications will be reviewed. Critical issues (such as polarization dependency of devices) are also discussed.

This course provides attendees with a basic working knowledge of modeling and fabrication of integrated optics devices based on glass materials, still the largest class of IO circuitry, besides semiconductors, due to low cost, reliability and ruggedness. First, an introduction on waveguide design and modelling is given, showing animated models based on commercial software. Then, the different fabrication technologies, which include deposition and diffusion processes, are presented and discussed, together with the proper characterization techniques of waveguides and components. Particular attention is devoted to ion-exchange technology and to SOS (silica-on-silicon) and SOI (silicon-on-insulator) structures. Finally, several devices (e.g. 1xN splitters, MMI devices, directional couplers, add-drop filters, AWGs), which find application in WDM systems for telecom systems or in sensing systems, are analysed in detail. An overview of the components currently available on the market, as well as of foundries existing in this area (both are information very useful for SMEs entering in this area), complete the course.