Abstract: A waveguide system wherein a top cladding layer leaves portions of an underlying core channel exposed to ambient air. The ends of core channels are exposed so that light can exit out of or enter into each of the core channels. Openings are formed in the top cladding layer to expose a curved section of a core channel to the ambient air. The low index of refraction of the ambient air allows the curved section to have a reduced turn radius and thereby allows the waveguide system to have a smaller footprint. A via in the top cladding layer provides access to an underlying core channel so that optical communication with the underlying core can be established. An optical computer input device formed of waveguide systems having top cladding layers that leave portions of an underlying core channel exposed.

Abstract: Optical transmission structures include a waveguide and an optical lens wherein the optical lens has a sufficiently large thickness to allow the formation of a curved front lens surface that collimates transmitted light rays so that they travel within a plane that is coplanar to a working surface. The present invention also relates to a technique for manufacturing the optical transmission structure, which involves the use of a photopolymer material. The optical transmission structure can be implemented in various systems such as a system for optical data input.

Abstract: Optical transmission structures include a waveguide and an optical lens wherein the optical lens has a sufficiently large thickness to allow the formation of a curved front lens surface that collimates transmitted light rays so that they travel within a plane that is coplanar to a working surface. The present invention also relates to a technique for manufacturing the optical transmission structure, which involves the use of a photopolymer material. The optical transmission structure can be implemented in various systems such as a system for optical data input.