Flexible all-solid self-written waveguides for fiber-to-fiber self-coupling

In recent years, there have been growing expectations for the use of optical fibers to achieve lightweight and high-speed data transmission in automotives. We have studied flexible light-induced self-written (LISW) optical waveguides using gel materials and optical self-coupling. In this study, we report the recent progress of our research on all-solid flexible LISW optical coupling in a GI-type optical fiber with a core size of 50 µm. The LISW optical waveguide did not delaminate from the optical fiber, and the adhesion between the end surface of the optical fiber and the waveguide was excellent, indicating that the optical connection was fabricated while maintaining flexibility.