Abstract:
An optical waveguide production method, employs a light-transmissive mold having higher dimensional accuracy for formation of an over-cladding layer. The mold for the formation of the over-cladding layer is unitarily produced by molding a light-transmissive resin with the use of a mold component having the same shape as the over-cladding layer. A recess formed in the mold by removing the mold component in the production of the mold serves as a cavity for the formation of the over-cladding layer. For the formation of the over-cladding layer, a photosensitive resin for the over-cladding layer is injected into the cavity of the mold, and exposed through the mold to be cured while a core formed in a predetermined pattern on a surface of an under-cladding layer is immersed in the photosensitive resin.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical waveguide for a touch panel which eliminates the need for alignment between the optical waveguide and a lens device, and a touch panel using the same. SOLUTION: An end portion of a core 3A for emitting light beams and an end portion of a core 3B for receiving the emitted light beams are formed as first and third lens portions 31, 33 so as to protrude from edge portions of an over cladding layer 4 and to be exposed to outside air. The first and third lens portions 31, 33 have lens surfaces 31a, 33a formed which bulge outwardly in a circular-arc shape in a top view. The second and fourth lens portions 42, 44 are formed as extensions of the over cladding layer 4 and corresponding to the first and third lens portions 31, 33, with spaces apart from the lens surfaces 31a, 33a of the first and third lens portions 31, 33. The second and fourth lens portions 42, 44 have lens surfaces 42a, 44a formed which bulge outwardly in a circular-arc shape in a side cross sectional view. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT