Abstract
In this study, nano-sized powders of SiO$_2$-0∼15mo1%B$_2$O$_3$ composition were prepared by sol-gel processing method using TEOS(Tetra ethyl ortho silicate) and H$_3$BO$_3$ solution. The powders were tape-cast on High silicate glass sheet(HSG) substrate and sintered to form a layer of undercladding for the planar light wave module. During the sol-gel processing, H$_2$O/Si mole ratio were varied to modify the size of the powders in a range from 600 to 75nm. The dispersion of the powder was modified by changing the pH of the slurry. Sintering temperature of the tape was observed to decrease with the size of the powder and the B$_2$O$_3$ content in the powder. When the silica powders of 75∼125nm in diameter containing 15mo1% B$_2$O$_3$ were used, 98 TD% was obtained at 1250$^{\circ}C$, which is approximately 300$^{\circ}C$ reduction in sintering temperature compared with micrometer-sized powders.