Post-processing soft glass optical fibers

All-fiber 2–6 μm coherent supercontinuum source based on chalcogenide fibers pumped by an amplified mid-IR soliton laser

“…Finally, we investigated numerically the possible SC extension that could be expected without damage with same coupling efficiency as obtained previously. In practice, improved laser damage threshold as well as higher coupling factors for chalcogenide fibers can be obtained through several post-processing techniques such as traditional antireflection coatings, fiber end-caps, or more complex patterning of input surfaces (e.g., the so-called "moth eye" structure) [25]. Figures 6e-6g…”

Single-Mode ZBLAN Fiber Couplers

“…In contrast to silica, fluoride and chalcogenide fibers are transparent to mid-infrared light, up to 5 µm for ZBLAN and 12 µm for As 2 S e 3 fibers. Chalcogenide OFCs have already been demonstrated in the form of singlemode OFCs [1][2][3], nonlinear OFCs [4], and also served in the fabrication of laser cavities [5,6], but remain an emerging technology that needs refinement before commercialization. In contrast, fluoride glass OFCs have yet to be developed, mainly due to crystallization that spontaneously occurs close to the softening temperature [7].…”

“…The fabrication of a single-mode OFC requires the use of single-mode fibers and the realization of appropriate adiabatic transition profiles on both sides of the OFC coupling section. The single-modedness of an OFC is validated from a smooth transmitted power versus OFC extension (during fabrication), as well as a smooth transmission spectrum, free from modal interference fluctuations [3].…”

Fabrication and Demonstration of an IR-Transmitting, Sulfur-Rich Optical Polymer Waveguide

“…The ability of optical fibers to deliver extremely high data rate signals across great distances with minimal power and signal loss, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and low weight is responsible for their widespread use in these industries. 1 Optical fibers are most commonly made from silica-based glass due to its low intrinsic optical loss at 1550 nm where many of these systems operate. Silica optical fibers exhibit greater power loss for infrared (IR) wavelengths beyond 1550 nm due to strong intrinsic absorbances.…”

“…Indeed, fiber-based and nonfiber-based optical waveguides are important components in integrated optical circuits, signal processing, and in optical communications systems. The ability of optical fibers to deliver extremely high data rate signals across great distances with minimal power and signal loss, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and low weight is responsible for their widespread use in these industries . Optical fibers are most commonly made from silica-based glass due to its low intrinsic optical loss at 1550 nm where many of these systems operate.…”