New printable polymers for microoptics

Within the framework of the DFG-funded Transregio 123, novel, polymer-based optical sensor networks, so-called pla-nar optronic systems, were investigated. For their realization, it is important that polymers with tailor-made physical properties are available. It is important to have material systems in which the refractive index can be adjusted over a wide range with high transparency. If one considers the different production possibilities, it is also important that the viscosity can be adjusted and adapted to the respective manufacturing method. To achieve this, two PMMA based sys-tems were modified to cover a refractive index range of 1.44 to 1.535 nm. Furthermore, an active system was developed in which a fluorescent material (Eu(DBM)3Phen) is printed on the waveguide. This is stimulated by an external laser and the light can thus be coupled directly into the waveguide. Thus, an independent optical system can be realized on a flexible foil.