Reduction and control of optical waveguide losses in glass

Reproducible waveguides were obtained by diffusion of silver films both with and without an applied electric field. Measurements of the mode, wavelength, and thickness dependences of the loss permit us to identify loss contributions from both the diffusant and also from surface roughness. Reduction of loss was achieved both by burying the waveguide below the surface of the substrate and also by performing measurements in the near infrared.