Nonlinear characterization of robust multimaterial chalcogenide nanotapers for infrared supercontinuum generation

Abstract

We present the results of an investigation of the nonlinear characteristics of a new class of robust, multimaterial, allsolid chalcogenide nanotapers prepared from high-index-contrast chalcogenide fibers. The fiber is drawn from a preform produced by multimaterial coextrusion and consists of chalcogenide core and cladding (which dictate the optical properties) and a built-in thermally compatible polymer jacket that provides mechanical stability to the fibers and nanotapers. We measure the nonlinear refractive indices both in the bulk chalcogenide glasses using the Z-scan method and directly in the nanotapers from spectral broadening resulting from self-phase modulation using both picosecond and femtosecond pulses. Such robust nanotapers offer many opportunities for dispersion engineering to optimize nonlinear optical fiber applications such as infrared supercontinuum generation. Lowpower femtosecond pulses (∼100 W peak power, corresponding to ∼40 pJ energy per pulse) centered at 1.55 μm wavelength launched into the nanotapers generated a supercontinuum extending over a full spectral octave, 1-2 μm. A computational model that takes into account the relevant linear and nonlinear optical parameters provides simulations that are in good agreement with the supercontinuum measurements.

Hybrid Optical Fibers – An Innovative Platform for In‐Fiber Photonic Devices

“…The Abouraddy group at Creol showed that dual layer chalcogenide nanotapers can be integrated into a thermoplastic polymer jacket ( Figure 17 a). [ 148 ] The dispersion engineering has been achieved via tapering the structure down to a remaining chalcogenide core diameter of only 500 nm over a length of 50 mm, allowing the generation of broadband light over an octave-spanning spectral bandwidth when pumped with femtosecond pulses (center pulse wavelength: 1.55 µm, pulse energies ≈ 40 pJ).…”

“…Adapted. [ 148 ] Copyright 2014, OSA. b) Mid-IR modulation instability observed in a As 2 Se 3 / polymer microwire.…”

Nonlinear Label-Free Biosensing With High Sensitivity Using As₂S₃ Chalcogenide Tapered Fiber

“…However, it has already been shown that the fabrication of very small diameter robust chalcogenide fibers (called "nanotapers") is possible [33]. For example, Shabahang et al have demonstrated robust chalcogenide tapers with diameter as small as 0.25 μm [34]. One way to make the fiber robust to mechanical perturbations is to coat the fiber with a polymer protection layer.…”

Optical fibers of As2S3glasses: preparation and characterization

“…Chalcogenide materials exhibit 1 high transparency in the mid-IR spectral region, high refractive indices (from 2.0 to 3.5) and a high nonlinear refractive index n 2 reaching 3-5×10 -18 m 2 /W. Thus, they are very good candidates for applications in light amplifiers, optical regenerators, and for broadband radiation sources in the mid-IR based on supercontinuum generation and other applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] .…”