Semiquantitative Atomic Force Microscopy-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Chemical Gradients in Silicone Optical Waveguides.

Crossing losses in silicone optical waveguides are related to the magnitude and spatial extent of the waveguide refractive index gradient. When processing conditions are altered, the refractive index gradient can vary substantially, even when the formulation remains constant. Controlling the refractive index gradient requires control of the concentration of small molecules present within the core and clad layers.