Joint Dow Corning, IBM Paper On Flexible Polymer Waveguides For Optical Interconnects To Be Featured At Photonics West 2013

New advances in photopatternable optical silicone materials for low-loss, flexible polymer waveguides will be the topic of a presentation by Brandon W. Swatowski, application engineer for Dow Corning Electronics Solutions, at Photonics West 2013 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif. The presentation – entitled Flexible, Stable and Easily Processable Optical Silicones for Low-Loss Polymer Waveguides – is based on a recent paper co-authored by IBM and Dow Corning scientists. It will discuss new materials and processing breakthroughs in the development of integrated optical interconnects for high-performance computing and data networking for information and communication technology (ICT) applications – the result of ongoing collaboration by the two companies to fabricate flexible optical waveguides based on Dow Corning’s advanced silicones technology.

Swatowski’s presentation is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 4 from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m., Room 234 (Mezzanine) at the Moscone Center.

The presentation will highlight the advantages of integrating optical interconnects with conventional printed circuit technology to support development of next-generation computing and networking systems. It will also detail how the emergence of flexible and photopatternable optical silicone technology represents a key step toward simpler integration and alignment of optical interconnects in conventional manufacturing processes. Results of optical and mechanical performance testing will also be presented. 

Swatowski joined Dow Corning in 2011. His responsibilities include materials and process development, working closely with Dow Corning’s customers to improve materials while helping reduce manufacturing complexity. He earned bachelor of science degrees in physics and in electrical and electronics engineering with a focus on photonics from Michigan Technological University. Previously, Swatowski was an electrical engineer at Calumet Electronics Corporation.

A trusted innovation partner, Dow Corning Electronics Solutions helps customers drive future developments in electronics markets such as consumer electronics, data networking, electrical and conventional transportation, energy conversion, LED lighting, and power electronics. Solutions span the entire value chain, from semiconductor fabrication, to device packaging and complete module and system assembly. For more than 70 years, leading electronics companies around the world have turned to Dow Corning for high performance materials and technologies, advanced application expertise, reliable supply and customer service around the globe.

About IBM
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About Dow Corning
Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States. Dow Corning’s global operations adhere to the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care initiative, a stringent set of standards designed to advance the safe and secure management of chemical products and processes. For more information, visit dowcorning.com.