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Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an optical member and an optical waveguide having a low optical loss. The provided method is capable of highly accurately controlling the positional configuration of refractive index distribution in the surface layer, including its vicinity, and the center portion of the core pattern in a transparent member. The method for manufacturing the optical member by the present invention has a Process A, in which the transparent member is exposed to a solution and thereby the refractive index of the surface layer of the transparent member exposed to the solution is substantially lower than that of the center portion of the transparent member not exposed to the solution. The substantial lowering of the refractive index of the surface layer is achieved by making the refractive index regulating agent exert its function by being included in the surface layer of the transparent member. The optical waveguide by the present invention has such a feature that surface layers of two or more sides on the circumference of the core pattern forming the core part have a refractive index lower than that of the center portion of the core pattern. The surface layer includes a refractive index regulating agent for lowering the refractive index. Further, a lower clad layer or an upper clad layer, or both, are provided outside the surface layer of low refractive index, wherein the refractive index of these clad layers are lower than that of the surface layer.

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First Claim