Low refractive index nanoporous hybrid silicate materials for wayeguide applications

We have developed a new class of very low refractive index and low optical loss materials based on nanoporous organo- silicate matrices. The pores are formed by the thermal decomposition of crosslinked organic particles with a size range 1 – 10 nm. The light scattering was minimal due to the small pore size and the measured optical losses in slab waveguide were less than 1 dB/cm from 633 to 1550 nm.