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Abstract

A method of fabricating a periodic nonlinear optic radiation modulation zone within a polymeric waveguide structure. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a layer of a polymeric material having an optically active material that is orientable by an electrical field; (b) applying an electrical field to the layer for orienting at least a portion of the optically active material; and (c) photopolymerizing at least a portion of the polymeric layer for fixing the oriented optically active material into the oriented position. In accordance with one embodiment the step of photopolymerizing includes the steps of (d) generating a diffraction pattern within the polymeric layer, the diffraction pattern being characterized by bright and dark fringes; and (e) photoplymerizing a volume of the polymeric layer within substantially only portions thereof that correspond to the bright fringes. In accordance with another embodiment the step of applying includes a step of generating a periodic DC field potential within the polymeric layer by a third order effect induced by passing radiation having a wavelength of lambda and a wavelength of 2(lambda) through the polymeric layer.

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First Claim