Characterization of supercontinuum generation along a silica tapered optical fiber using a confocal micro-spectrometer

Abstract

We have characterized the supercontinuum generation along a tapered silica optical fiber using a highly-sensitive distributed measurement technique. Based on a confocal Raman micro-spectrometer, this method involves farfield point-by-point Rayleigh scattering analysis along the waveguide, providing micrometer spatial resolution and high spectral resolution. This non-destructive and non-invasive technique enables the observation of each step of supercontinuum generation along the fiber taper.