Single mode optical fibre

Nanoscale viscometer device

The invention provides a viscometer device 1 suitable for determining the concentration of a solute within a fluid sample, comprising a capillary tube 3 having a core 20 and means for filling the capillary tube with a fluid sample; a light source 2 for providing light into the tube; means for detecting the light 9 exiting the tube, wherein the rate at which the capillary tube is filled with the fluid is optically measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid to calculate the concentration of a solute. The capillary tube may be a hollow core photonic crystal fibre (HC-PCF) and the invention provides a capillary viscometer capable of measuring the viscosity of nano-litre quantities of a sample fluid. An example application of the device is to determine glucose dissolved in nano water, demonstrating that HC-PCF can be used for the continuous monitoring of glucose levels within blood plasma.

Single mode optical fibre

PACKAGING AND BUILDING GROUP FOR OPTICAL COMPONENTS AS FOR INSTANCE OPTICAL FIBERS

PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION PHOTO NICHES OF A PLASTIC CRYSTAL FIBER FOR TERAHERTZWELLENÜBERTRAGUNG

MICRO-STRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBERS

Terminating optical fibre

Hermetically sealed optical fibre with voids or holes, method of its production, and its use

Fluorescence detection system including a photonic band gap structure

Optical waveguides and method of fabrication thereof

OPTICAL SENSORS

An optical sensor comprises at least one bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of separate fluid-tight longitudinally extending ducts; and fluid connectors for introducing fluids selectively into at least some of said ducts. Test cells are formed (a) by array members with a pattern of holes or recesses applied to the end of the bundle, or sandwiched between the ends of two bundles or (b) within the fibers in cases where a duct overlaps with the optical field of the fiber. Usually others of the ducts serve to remove fluid from the test cells.

TUNABLE OPTICAL FILTER HAVING LARGE DIAMETER OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE WITH BRAGG GRATING AND WITH REDUCING THE BULK MODULUS

A tunable optical filter has a large diameter cane waveguide (10) with "side-holes" (18) in the cane cross-section that reduce the force required to compress the large diameter optical waveguide without overly compromising the buckling strength thereof. The large diameter optical waveguide (10) has a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, including at least one inner core, a Bragg (14) grating arranged therein, a cladding surrounding the inner core, and a structural configuration for providing a reduced bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The structural configuration reduces the cross-sectional area of the large diameter optical waveguide. These side holes reduce the amount of glass that needs to be compressed, but retains the large diameter.

SPLICING AND CONNECTORIZATION OF PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRES

A method of coupling a spliceable optical fibre for transmission of light in its longitudinal direction to an optical component, the method comprising (A) providing the spliceable optical fibre, said spliceable optical fibre comprising: (a) a core region (10, 20, 25, 30, 110); and (b) a microstructured cladding region, said cladding region surrounding said core region and comprising: (b1) an inner cladding region with inner cladding features (13, 22, 112) arranged in an inner cladding background material (11, 21, 111) with a refractive index n1, said inner cladding features comprising thermally collapsible holes or voids, and (b2) an outer cladding region with an outer cladding background material (12, 24, 114) with a refractive index n2; said spliceable optical fibre having at least one end; (B) collapsing said thermally collapsible holes or voids by heating said least one end of said spliceable optical fibre; and (C) coupling said collapsed spliceable optical fibre end to the optical ...

FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR METAMATERIALS

A method of fabricating a semiconductor metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more elongate, high aspect ratio voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a semiconductor material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the semiconductor material to deposit onto the surface of the one or more voids of the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and semiconductor materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location, spatial extent, and thickness of the deposition of the semiconductor within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced.

ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED TRANSPARENT (EIT) PHOTONIC BAND-GAP FIBERS

An electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT) photonic band-gap fiber (PBG). The EIT-PBG combines the pass gap and band gap properties of a photonic band gap (PBG) fiber with the transparency control of mediums exhibiting EIT effects, allowing the formation of various optical devices.

Optical fiber, optical fiber connecting method, and optical connector

An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.

Optical waveguide

An elongate waveguide for guiding light includes a core having an elongate region of relatively low refractive index; a microstructured region around the core having elongate regions of relatively low refractive index interspersed with elongate regions of relatively high refractive index; and a boundary at the interface between the core and the microstructured region, the boundary including in the transverse cross-section, a region of relatively high refractive index, which is connected to the microstructured region at a plurality of nodes, at least one relatively enlarged region around the boundary (and excluding a boundary having twelve nodes and six enlarged regions substantially at a mid-point between six pairs of relatively more-widely-spaced apart neighboring nodes).

Single mode optical fibre

A large core photonic crystal fibre for transmitting radiation having a core comprising a substantially transparent core material and having a core diameter of at least 5mu. The fibre also comprises a cladding region surrounding the length of core material, wherein the cladding region comprises a first substantially transparent cladding material, having a first refractive index, and wherein the first substantially transparent cladding material has embedded along its length a substantially periodic A array of holes, wherein the holes are filled with a second cladding material having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, such that radiation input to the optical fibre is transmitted along the length of the core material in a single mode of propagation. In a preferred embodiment, the core diameter may be at least 20mu, and may be as large as 50mu. The fibre is capable of transmitting higher power radiation than conventional fibres, whilst maintaining propagation in ...

Optical waveguide incorporating dispersed tunable scattering elements

A unique waveguide structure is provided in which the waveguide contains individual scattering elements that are capable of being tuned to provide local refractive index variations, e.g., on a micron scale - which is on the order of wavelengths typically used for communication system. According to the invention, the waveguide contains a core region (22), a cladding region (24), and a solid or liquid material (28) having the tunable scattering elements dispersed therein, where the material is disposed within the core (22) and/or cladding (24) regions, and/or on the exterior of the cladding region. Useful scattering elements include, for example, liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer (polymer-dispersed liquid crystals - PDLC) or electrophoretic particles dispersed in a liquid medium.

A photonic crystal fibre and a method for its production

Microstructured optical fibre fabricated by extrusion through special extruder die

A fibre of the type referred to as microstructured, holey, or photonic crystal fibres can be fabricated by means of extrusion. The resultant optical fibre has a core 164 suspended in an outer wall 162 by a plurality of struts 166. A specially designed extruder die 100 is used which comprises a central feed channel 126, 128, flow diversion channels 132 arranged to divert material radially outwards into a welding chamber formed within the die, a core forming conduit 130 arranged to receive material by direct onward passage from the central feed channel, and a nozzle having an outer part in flow communication with the welding chamber and an inner part in flow communication with the core forming conduit, to respectively define an outer wall 162 and core 164 of the preform 160 which is then stretched to produce optic fibers. With this design a relatively thick outer wall can be combined with thin struts (to ensure extinction of the optical mode field) and a core of any desired diameter or other ...

Single mode optical fibre

FIBER WITH PHOTONI GAP

Microstructured optical fibres

MICROSTRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBRES

The present invention relates to a new class of optical waveguides, in which waveguiding along one or more core regions is obtained through the application of the Photonic Bandgap (PBG) effect. The invention further relates to optimised two-dimensional lattice structures capable of providing complete PBGs, which reflects light incident from air or vacuum. Such structures may be used as cladding structures in optical fibres, where light is confined and thereby guided in a hollow core region. In addition, the present invention relates to designs for ultra low-loss PBG waveguiding structures, which are easy to manufacture. Finally, the present invention relates to a new fabrication technique, which allows easy manufacturing of preforms for photonic crystal fibers with large void filling fractions, as well as it allows a high flexibility in the design of the cladding and core structures.

A METHOD FOR MAKING MICROSTRUCTURED FIBRES SENSITIVE TO THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT

The present invention relates to the design and manufacture of microstructured optical fibres. One aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a microstructured optical fibre, the method comprising forming one or more apertures at predetermined locations in a preform, the one or more apertures formed at an angle to the axis of the preform, and subsequently drawing the preform to form a length of optical fibre.

Fabrication of metamaterials

A method of fabricating a metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a functional material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the functional material to deposit or otherwise integrate into the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and functional materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location of the integration of the functional material within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced.

Plastic photonic crystal fiber for terahertz wave transmission and method for manufacturing thereof

The present invention relates to a plastic photonic crystal fiber for terahertz wave transmission and a method for the manufacturing thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a plastic photonic crystal fiber that can be easily manufactured and has low loss characteristics to be used as a waveguide of terahertz waves. The plastic photonic crystal fiber includes a crystal defect component having a longitudinal axis and a photonic crystal component surrounding the crystal defect component. The photonic crystal component has an array of a plurality of plastic elements having longitudinal axes and forming a 2-dimensional photonic crystal structure with a predetermined lattice constant. Further, the plastic photonic crystal fiber of the present invention can be used as a preform from which a plastic photonic crystal fiber for an optical communication (400-800 nm) can be drawn.

Method of synthesis and delivery of complex pharmaceuticals, chemical substances and polymers through the process of electrospraying, electrospinning or extrusion utilizing holey fibers

A method of synthesizing complex, multi-part pharmaceuticals, chemical substances and engineered polymers through the process of electrospraying, electrospinning or extrusion utilizing tiny glass fiber known as "Holey" Fibers. The "holey" fibers have a unique property associated with them as they contain various combinations of micron sized holes running the length of the glass fiber. The holes can be made homogenous, i.e. all the same diameter, or of varying dimensions in concentric rings, enabling several chemicals to be combined together at synthesis. The advantage of using a glass holey fiber is that it is made from a chemically inert glass, that will not affect to chemicals involved with the exception of certain fluorine substances.

СВЯЗУЮЩЕЕ ВОЛОКНО ДЛЯ ВОЛОКОННО-ОПТИЧЕСКОГО ЭЛЕМЕНТА

... 1. Связующее волокно для волоконно-оптического элемента, которое содержит:плоское цветное композитное волокно острова в море, которое содержит компонент моря и компонент острова,при этом указанное плоское цветное композитное волокно острова в море получено связыванием нескольких цветных композитных формованных волокон ядро-оболочка, которые сформированы из термопластичной смолы, в жгут,указанная термопластичная смола содержит смолу компонента-оболочки и смолу компонента-ядра с температурой плавления выше температуры плавления смолы компонента-оболочки на 20°C или более,указанный компонент моря получен сплавлением и соединением смолы компонента-оболочки указанного жгута при вытяжке жгута при температуре, которая является температурой плавления смолы компонента-оболочки или выше и ниже точки плавления смолы компонента-ядра,компонент острова получен диспергированием волокон, сформированных из смолы компонента-ядра, в компоненте моря в форме островов, иуказанное плоское цветное композитное ...

OPTISCHE FASERN MIT HOHER NUMERISCHER APERTUR

GLASFASERN MIT LÖCHERN, VORFORMEN UND HERSTELLUNGSVERFAHREN

MONOMODE OPTISCHE FASER

Fabrication of microstructured optical fibre

Fibre-optic sensing apparatus and method

PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A MICRO-STRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBER

GLASS FIBERS WITH HOLES, GATHERING MOLDS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A MICRO-STRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBER

Fluorescence detection system including a photonic band gap structure

PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRE

METHOD FOR MAKING A MULTICOLOR LARGE DIAMETER OPTICAL FIBER WAVEGUIDE

A sensor and a method for characterising a dielectric material

The present disclosure provides a method of characterising a dielectric material. The method comprises the step of providing a light source, a light collector and a sensor. The sensor is arranged so that an evanescent field of light penetrates through a surface of the sensor and surface plasmons are generated at the surface of the sensor when suitable light is directed along at least a portion of the sensor. The method also includes the step of exposing the surface of the sensor to the dielectric material so that an interface is formed between the surface and the dielectric material. Further, the method comprises guiding light along at least a portion of the sensor to generate the surface plasmons. In addition, the method comprises the step of collecting an intensity of light from the interface as a function of a spectral parameter of the light. Further, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for characterising the dielectric material in accordance with the method.

Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal

BINDER FIBER FOR OPTICAL FIBER UNIT

The present invention provides a strand for combining into an optical fiber unit, the strand comprising a flat sea-island type colored composite strand, wherein (1) the sea component of the flat sea-island type colored composite strand has a melting initiation temperature of 100ºC or higher and a melting peak temperature of 120-150ºC, (2) the flat sea-island type colored composite strand has a width of 0.5-3.0 mm and a thickness of 0.15 mm or less, and (3) the flat sea-island type colored composite strand has a degree of thermal shrinkage through 3-hour heating at 100ºC of 1.0% or less. The strand has improved coloration, enables the optical fiber cores to retain the shape thereof, and does not press the optical fiber cores. The strand does not stick to adjoining combining strands or optical fiber cores.

OPTICAL FIBRE WITH QUANTUM DOTS

An optical fibre comprises a tubular glass cladding (1) with a central openi ng (2), filled with a colloidal solution of quantum dots (4) in a support mediu m (3). The quantum dots may be caused to produce luminescence in response to input optical radiation, for example to produce optical amplification or las er radiation. A waveguide with an active medium comprising colloidal quantum do ts is claimed.

MICROSTRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBER WITH IMPROVED TRANSMISSION EFFICIENCY AND DURABILITY

An index-guiding optical fiber (200) having a plurality of elongated void regions (206, 212) in the core and cladding is described. The void regions (206, 212) are preferably filled with air, vacuum, or an inert gas. The void regions (206) occupy a substantial first percentage of the area of the core (202) when viewed in cross-section. The void regions (212) occupy a substantial second percentage of the area of the cladding region (208) when viewed in cross-section. The first percentage of void area (206) in the core region (202) is less than the second percentage of void area (212) in the cladding region, whereby the cladding region (208) has a lower effective index of refraction than the core region (202), allowing for propagation of light waves by an index-guiding effect. In a preferred embodiment, there is a greater than 1:1 ratio of void area to material area in both the core region (202) and cladding region (208) of the microstructured optical fiber. Because the light waves "see" ...

PLASTIC PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER FOR TERAHERTZ WAVE TRANSMISSION AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THEREOF

The present invention relates to a plastic photonic crystal fiber for terahertz wave transmission and a method for manufacturing thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a plastic photonic crystal fiber which can be easily maunfactured and has low loss characteristics to be used as a waveguide of teraherzt waves. The plastic photonic crystal fiber includes a crystal defect component having a longitudinal axis and a photonic crystal component surrounding the crystal defect component. The photonic crystal component has an array of a plurality of plastic elements having logitudinal axes and forming a 2 dimensional photonic crystal structure with a predetermined lattice constant. Further, the plastic photonic crystal fiber of the present invention can be used as a preform from which a plastic photonic crystal fiber for an optical communication (400-800 nm) can be drawn.

Gas-filled optical fiber for wavelength calibration or measurement

There is provided a gas cell. The gas cell has an optical fiber that includes a first hole that contains a first reference gas that absorbs a first wavelength of light, and a second hole having a content selected from the group consisting of (a) a vacuum and (b) a second reference gas that absorbs a second wavelength of light.

Photonic crystal fibers and systems using photonic crystal fibers

In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include guiding radiation at a first wavelength, λ1, through a core of a photonic crystal fiber and guiding radiation at a second wavelength, λ2, through the photonic crystal fiber, wherein |λ1−λ2|>100 nm.

Tunable microfluidic optical fiber devices and systems

A tunable optical fiber device comprises a length of fiber having a core having a certain refractive index; a cladding peripherally surrounding the core with a refractive index less than the refractive index of the core; and at least one hollow region disposed within the cladding in proximity to the core or within the core itself. Fluid (typically liquid) controllably moved within the hollow region modifies the effective index of the fiber and thereby tunes its characteristics.

Fiber apparatus and method for manipulating optical signals

Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber device (10) such as a modulator, variable attenuator or tunable filter including an optical fiber having a core region (12), a cladding layer (14) around the core region, and a controllable active material (18) disposed in, for example, capillaries (16) or rings (24) formed the cladding layer. The active materials include, for example, electro-optic material, magneto-optic material, photorefractive material, thermo-optic material and/or materials such as laser dyes that provide tunable gain or loss. The application of, for example, temperature, light or an electric or magnetic field varies optical properties of the active material, which, in turn, varies or affects the propagation properties of optical signals in the device. The optical device includes a tapered region (22) that causes the core mode to spread into the cladding region and, simultaneously, allows the active material to be relatively close to the propagated modes, thus ...

OPTICAL FIBERS WITH HIGH NUMERIC APERTURE

Gas analysis using Raman spectroscopy

Zum Analysieren von Gas werden ein Laserlicht (7) erzeugt und das Gas in eine Faser (2) eingeführt. Das Laserlicht (7) wird in die Faser (2) eingekoppelt, um mit dem Laserlicht (7) das Gas anzuregen, so dass Streulicht (8) von dem Gas emittiert wird. Das Streulicht (8) wird von der Faser (2) zu Auswertemitteln (1, 16) geführt und hinsichtlich mindestens einem von seiner Frequenzanteile, von seiner Intensität der Frequenzanteile und von seiner Polarität der Frequenzanteile ausgewertet, um abhängig von dem mindestens einen von seinen Frequenzanteilen, von seiner Intensität der Frequenzanteile und von seiner Polarität der Frequenzanteile das Gas zu analysieren. Dabei ist die Faser (2) in einem Rohr (3) eingebettet, welches einen inneren Gasdruck (pR) aufweist, welcher einem inneren Gasdruck (pF) der Faser (2) entspricht. Dabei ist der innere Gasdruck (pF) der Faser (2) höher als ein maximal möglicher innerer Gasdruck der Faser (2), welcher durch eine Festigkeit oder eine optische Eigenschaft ...

Microstructured optical fibres

GAS-FILLED OPTICAL FIBER FOR WAVELENGTH CALIBRATION OR MEASUREMENT

Polarisation preserving optical fibre

METHOD OF FABRICATING SUB-MICRON STRUCTURES IN TRANSPARENT DIELECTRIC MATERIALS

A sub-micron structure is fabricated in a transparent dielectric material by focusing femtosecond laser pulses into the dielectric to create a highly tapered modified zone with modified etch properties. The dielectric material is then selectively etched into the modified zone from the direction of the narrow end of the tapered zone so that as the selective etching proceeds longitudinally into the modified zone, the progressively increasing width of the modified zone compensates for lateral etching occurring closer to the narrow end so as to produce steep- walled holes. The unetched portion of the modified zone produced by translating the laser beam close to and parallel to the bottom surface of the dielectric can serve as an optical waveguide to collect light from or deliver light to the etched channel which can contain various biological, optical, or chemical materials for sensing applications.

HERMETICALLY SEALED OPTICAL FIBRE WITH VOIDS OR HOLES, METHOD OF ITS PRODUCTION, AND ITS USE

An optical fibre having an axial direction and a cross section perpendicular to said axial direction, said optical fibre comprising: a first light guiding fibre portion (604) having a cladding region with a plurality of spaced apart cladding voids extending longitudinally in the fibre axial direction and a core region bounded by said cladding region, and a solid light transparent fibre portion (602) having a first end facing the first light guiding fibre portion and a second end forming an end face of the optical fibre, said solid light transparent fibre portion providing a hermetic sealing (601) of the cladding voids of the first light guiding fibre portion; a method of its production, and its use, such as an optical fibre connector and an article comprising a microstructured optical fibre with hermetically sealed end face.

OPTICAL FIBRE WITH HIGH NUMERICAL APERTURE, METHOD OF ITS PRODUCTION, AND USE THEREOF

An article comprising an optical fibre, the fibre comprising at least one core surrounded by a first outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region being surrounded by a second outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region in the cross-section comprising a number of first outer cladding features having a lower refractive index than any material surrounding the first outer cladding features, wherein for a plurality of said first outer cladding features, the minimum distance between two nearest neighbouring first outer cladding features is smaller than 1.0 µm or smaller than an optical wavelength of light guided through the fibre when in use; a method of its production, and use thereof.

METHOD OF THERMALLY DRAWING STRUCTURED SHEETS

A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.

METHOD OF THERMALLY DRAWING STRUCTURED SHEETS

A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.

BINDER FIBER FOR OPTICAL FIBER UNIT

Provided is a binder fiber for an optical fiber unit including a flat sea-island color composite fiber, in which the flat sea-island color composite fiber satisfies the following (1) to (3): (1) a sea component of the flat sea-island color composite fiber has a melting start temperature of 100°C or higher and a melting peak temperature of 120°C to 150°C; (2) the flat sea-island color composite fiber has a width of 0.5 to 3.0 mm and a thickness of 0.15 mm or less; and (3) the flat sea-island color composite fiber has a thermal shrinkage rate of 1.0% or lower after being heated at 100°C for 3 hours. With the binder fiber, the color developing properties are improved, the shape retaining properties of optical fiber cores are maintained, the optical fiber cores are not compressed, and there is no adhesion with another adjacent binder fiber or the optical fiber cores.

HOLEY FIBER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

A holey fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a core part; an inside cladding part positioned on the outer periphery of this core part and having a plurality of inside holes formed in a layer shape around this core part; and an outside cladding part positioned on the outer periphery of this inside cladding part and having a plurality of outside holes formed in a layer shape around this inside cladding part. Each of this plurality of inside holes is disposed such that a triangular lattice is formed in which the lattice constant (Λ1) is 3.0 μm or less and two or more layers are formed. Each of this plurality of outside holes is disposed such that a triangular lattice is formed in which the lattice constant (Λ2) is greater than the lattice constant (Λ1) for the inside holes and is 3.0 µm or greater and two or more layers are formed.

OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES AND METHOD OF FABRICATION THEREOF

Optical waveguides of the type which include a light-transmitting core and a cladding layer in said core. The optical waveguide can be planar or cylindrical such as an optical fiber. The optical waveguide is provided with an additional coating of highly biaxial or uniaxial crystalline material with different refraction indices in different directions.

HERMETICALLY SEALED OPTICAL FIBRE WITH VOIDS OR HOLES, METHOD OF ITS PRODUCTION, AND ITS USE

An optical fibre having an axial direction and a cross section perpendicular to said axial direction, said optical fibre comprising: a first light guiding fibre portion (604) having a cladding region with a plurality of spaced apart cladding voids extending longitudinally in the fibre axial direction and a core region bounded by said cladding region, and a solid light transparent fibre portion (602) having a first end facing the first light guiding fibre portion and a second end forming an end face of the optical fibre, said solid light transparent fibre portion providing a hermetic sealing (601) of the cladding voids of the first light guiding fibre portion; a method of its production, and its use, such as an optical fibre connector and an article comprising a microstructured optical fibre with hermetically sealed end face.

PHOTONIC BANDGAP OPTICAL WAVEGUIDEWITH ANTI-RESONANT CORE BOUNDARY

Improved photonic band-gap optical fibre The present invention relates in particular to improved photonic band-gap optical fibres that can confine light to a core region of the fibre by the action of both a photonic band-gap cladding and an antiresonant core boundary, at the interface between the core and cladding. According to embodiments of the present invention, a fibre has a core, comprising an elongate region of relatively low refractive index, a photonic bandgap structure arranged to provide a photonic bandgap over a range of wavelengths of light including an operating wavelength of light, the structure, in a transverse cross section of the waveguide, surrounding the core and comprising elongate relatively low refractive index regions interspersed with elongate relatively high refractive index regions and a relatively high refractive index boundary at the interface between the core defect and the photonic bandgap structure, the boundary having a thickness around the core such that ...

Multi-stage optical amplifier having photonic-crystal waveguides for generation of high-power pulsed radiation and associated method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

Microstructured optical waveguide for providing periodic and resonant structures

A microstructured optical waveguide is formed to include a periodic sequence of “plugs” of optically active material within the inner cladding air tunnels. The plugs are utilized as a grating structure for generating resonant and periodic structures. The waveguide (in one embodiment, an optical fiber) is tunable by changing the spacing of the plugs (e.g., heating the structure, changing the pressure within the structure, etc.), or by modifying the initial spacing of the plugs during the formation of the microstructured optical waveguide (i.e., by modifying the “dipping frequency” of the waveguide into a reservoir of optically active material). In general, any number of different types of optically active material may be used to form the plugs, where two or more different materials may be used in the same structure, and introduced in an alternating fashion.

Optical fibre with quantum dots

PCT No. PCT/GB95/02322 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 20, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 20, 1997 PCT Filed Sep. 29, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/10282 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 4, 1996An optical fiber includes a tubular glass cladding with a central opening filled with a colloidal solution of quantum dots in a support medium. The quantum dots may be caused to produce luminescence in response to input optical radiation, for example to produce optical amplification or laser radiation. A waveguide with an active medium comprising colloidal quantum dots is provided.

Optical fiber communications system using index-guiding microstructured optical fibers

A long-distance, high bit-rate optical communications link is described comprising an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and an index-guiding microstructured optical fiber between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, the microstructured optical fiber having a majority of the cross-section of the core and cladding regions occupied by voids. The voids are dimensioned such that an effective index of refraction of the cladding region is less than an effective index of the core region, the optical fiber propagating light by an index-guiding effect. The attenuation and dispersion characteristics of the microstructured optical fiber, when expressed in dB/km and ps/(nm-km), respectively, each decrease in approximate proportion to the percentage of cross-sectional area occupied by the voids. An appropriate void-to-cross-sectional area ratio may be selected so as to provide an optical communications link that provides substantially increased data throughput using today's installed ...

PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A MICRO-STRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBRE

Forming an intermediate polymer preform of elongated shape for manufacturing a microstructured optical fibre can comprise: making a mould with a tubular par (21) containing a pattern of hole generating elements (23) (wires, rods or tubes) extending along it, the hole generating elements being releasably attached to an upper (25) and to a lower (22) base of the mould; cleaning the mould by circulating a filtered solvent in it; filling the mould with a fluid polymer optical material or polymer precursor; consolidating the polymer material or precursor so that it cannot change its shape under operating stress conditions at ambient temperature: releasing the hole generating elements from the upper and lower base; extracting the consolidated core preform from the mould and, if required, extracting the hole-generating elements from the core preform (40), in order to create the microstructure. The process can further include calibrating the intermediate preform, wherein calibrating comprises: ...

OPTICAL FIBRE WITH QUANTUM DOTS

METHOD OF FABRICATING SUB-MICRON STRUCTURES IN TRANSPARENT DIELECTRIC MATERIALS

A sub-micron structure is fabricated in a transparent dielectric material by focusing femtosecond laser pulses into the dielectric to create a highly tapered modified zone with modified etch properties. The dielectric material is then selectively etched into the modified zone from the direction of the narrow end of the tapered zone so that as the selective etching proceeds longitudinally into the modified zone, the progressively increasing width of the modified zone compensates for lateral etching occurring closer to the narrow end so as to produce steep- walled holes. The unetched portion of the modified zone produced by translating the laser beam close to and parallel to the bottom surface of the dielectric can serve as an optical waveguide to collect light from or deliver light to the etched channel which can contain various biological, optical, or chemical materials for sensing applications.

fibra óptica com casca e núcleo líquidos, método para preenchimento simultâneo e método de redução do número de modos guiados

FUNCTIONALIZATION OF AIR HOLE ARRAY OF PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBERS

An inventive sensor is used in combination with spectroscopic techniques to detect, identify and quantify ultratrace (ppt to ppb) quantities of analytes in air or water samples. The sensor preferably comprises a photonic crystal fiber having an air hole cladding with functionalized air holes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a preferred spectroscopic technique. In such applications, the air holes of the fiber may be functionalized by adsorbing a self-assembled monolayer on their inner surfaces, and immobilizing metallic nanoparticles to the monolayer. The invention has chemical and biomedical applications, and utility in detecting chemical and biological agents used in warfare.

LIQUID CORE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER BIOSENSORS USING SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications.

OPTICAL FIBRE WITH HIGH NUMERICAL APERTURE, METHOD OF ITS PRODUCTION, AND USE THEREOF

An article comprising an optical fibre, the fibre comprising at least one core surrounded by a first outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region being surrounded by a second outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region in the cross-section comprising a number of first outer cladding features having a lower refractive index than any material surrounding the first outer cladding features, wherein for a plurality of said first outer cladding features, the minimum distance between two nearest neighbouring first outer cladding features is smaller than 1.0 μm or smaller than an optical wavelength of light guided through the fibre when in use; a method of its production, and use thereof.

MICROSTRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBER

An optical fiber (200) comprises an optical fiber axis (A-A); a core (205) extending along the axis, the core being made of a first, undoped material having a first refractive index; and a cladding (210) coextensive to and surrounding the core. The cladding comprises a background matrix (220) made of the first material, and has a plurality of holes (215), formed in the background matrix, extending parallel to the fiber axis, arranged around the core in substantially concentric rings, and filled with a second material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index. The number of said rings of holes is two or three, an average distance (Λ) between the holes is of at least about 6 µm, a ratio between an effective radius (reff) of the core and the average distance between the holes is of at most about 1, and a ratio between an average dimension (d) of the holes and the average distance (Λ) between the holes is of at least about 0.5 ...

Method of fabricating photonic structures

Disclosed is a method of making a photonic crystal using a combination of extruding and drawing techniques. The method is contemplated as being capable of producing both two and three dimensional crystals due to the maturity and diversity of extruding and drawing technology. The method allows the drawing of relatively large photonic crystals and is flexible enough to provide a periodic array of channels or filaments as the crystal features. After the extruding step or steps and before the step of heating and drawing, a plurality of elongated extruded bodies can be bundled and drawn as a unit.

Optical fiber with quantum dots

Holey optical fibers (e.g. photonic fibers, random-hole fibers) are fabricated with quantum dots disposed in the holes. The quantum dots can provide light amplification and sensing functions, for example. When used for sensing, the dots will experience altered optical properties (e.g. altered fluorescence or absorption wavelength) in response to certain chemicals, biological elements, radiation, high energy particles, electrical or magnetic fields, or thermal/mechanical deformations. Since the dots are disposed in the holes, the dots interact with the evanescent field of core-confined light. Quantum dots can be damaged by high heat, and so typically cannot be embedded within conventional silica optical fibers. In the present invention, dots can be carried into the holes by a solvent at room temperature. The present invention also includes solid glass fibers made of low melting point materials (e.g. phosphate glass, lead oxide glass) with embedded quantum dots.

Tunable optical filter having large diameter optical waveguide with bragg grating and being configured for reducing the bulk modulus of compressibility thereof

A tunable optical filter has a large diameter cane waveguide with "side-holes" in the cane cross-section that reduce the force required to compress the large diameter optical waveguide without overly compromising the buckling strength thereof. The large diameter optical waveguide has a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters, including at least one inner core, a Bragg grating arranged therein, a cladding surrounding the inner core, and a structural configuration for providing a reduced bulk modulus of compressibility and maintaining the anti-buckling strength of the large diameter optical waveguide. The structural configuration reduces the cross-sectional area of the large diameter optical waveguide. These side holes reduce the amount of glass that needs to be compressed, but retains the large diameter.

PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A MICRO-STRUCTURED OPTICAL FIBRE

Forming an intermediate polymer preform of elongated shape for manufacturing a microstructured optical fibre can comprise: making a mould with a tubular par (21) containing a pattern of hole generating elements (23) (wires, rods or tubes) extending along it, the hole generating elements being releasably attached to an upper (25) and to a lower (22) base of the mould; cleaning the mould by circulating a filtered solvent in it; filling the mould with a fluid polymer optical material or polymer precursor; consolidating the polymer material or precursor so that it cannot change its shape under operating stress conditions at ambient temperature: releasing the hole generating elements from the upper and lower base; extracting the consolidated core preform from the mould and, if required, extracting the hole-generating elements from the core preform (40), in order to create the microstructure. The process can further include calibrating the intermediate preform, wherein calibrating comprises: stretching the intermediate preform during a stretching period by heating it (51) at a predetermined stretching temperature avove Tg and applying a tensional load (F) to the intermediate preform (50) along its elongation axis, so as to cause its straining along the elongation axis, the stetching temperature, the tensional laod and the stretching period being selected so as to impress a viscoelastic deformation to the intermediate preform; cooling the intermediate preform to a temperature below Tg during a cooling period, while maintaining the stretched preform in tension, so as to avoid a substantial release of said viscoelastic deformation; inserting the intermediate preform in a calibration tube (53) having a cylindrical inner shape; and heating (52) the intermediate polymer preform to a calibration temperature above Tg during a calibration period sufficient to achieve a substantial release of said viscoelastic deformation.

СВЯЗУЮЩЕЕ ВОЛОКНО ДЛЯ ВОЛОКОННО-ОПТИЧЕСКОГО ЭЛЕМЕНТА

FIELD: optics. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to binder fibre for fibre-optic unit. Binder fibre for fibre-optic unit comprises flat colour composite fiber such as islands at sea, which contains a component of the sea of flat colour composite fibres of "island in sea", having a melting onset temperature of 100 °C or higher and peak of melting temperature from 120 to 150 °C. Besides, flat colour composite fibre of type "island in sea" has width from 0.5 to 3.0 mm and thickness of 0.15 mm or less. Note here that flat colour composite fibre of type "island in sea" has degree of thermal shrinkage of 1.0 % or less after heating at 100 °C for 3 hours. EFFECT: technical result – preservation of core shape of the optical fibre and the absence of adhesion with adjacent binding fibres or cores of the optical fibre. 5 cl, 7 dwg, 2 tbl, 17 ex

A photonic crystal fibre and a method for its production

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO OPTICAL FIBRES

METHOD OF CHANGING THE REFRACTIVE INDEX IN A REGION OF A CORE OF A PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER USING A LASER EM

Fiber Bragg gratings were written in pure silica photonic crystal fibers and photonic crystal fiber tapers with 125 fs, 800 nm IR radiation. High reflectivites were achieved with short exposure times in the tapers. Both multimode and single mode grating reflections were achieved in the fiber tapers. By tapering the photonic crystal fibers scattering that would otherwise have occurred was lessened and light external to the fiber could reach the core effectively to write a grating.

PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRE

The present invention provides an improved large mode area, single mode or few mode optical fibre that is robust towards loss mechanisms such as bending losses and coupling losses. The optical fiber is aimed for use in transmission of light at at least one optical wavelength, λ. The optical fibre (10) has a longitudinal direction and a cross-section perpendicular thereto. The optical fiber comprises a core region (11) and a micro-structured cladding region. The cladding region surrounds the core region and it comprises micro-structured cladding features (12) that are arranged in a background cladding material (13). A plurality of the micro-structured cladding features has substantially similar size d - typical- ly the cladding features are circular in cross-section and d is equal to the diameter of the cladding features. At least a number of the cladding features are arranged proximal to said core region at a center-to-center cladding feature spacing, h, larger than 3 times λ. The core ...

Holey optical fiber with random pattern of holes and method for making same

A random array of holes is created in an optical fiber by gas generated during fiber drawing. The gas forms bubbles which are drawn into long, microscopic holes. The gas is created by a gas generating material such as silicon nitride. Silicon nitride oxidizes to produce nitrogen oxides when heated. The gas generating material can alternatively be silicon carbide or other nitrides or carbides. The random holes can provide cladding for optical confinement when located around a fiber core. The random holes can also be present in the fiber core. The fibers can be made of silica. The present random hole fibers are particularly useful as pressure sensors since they experience a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied.

Fiber waveguides and methods of making the same

In general, in one aspect, the invention features an article including a high-power, low-loss fiber waveguide that includes alternating layers of different dielectric materials surrounding a core extending along a waveguide axis, the different dielectric materials including a polymer and a glass.

Method and apparatus for configuring and tuning crystals to control electromagnetic radiation

A method and apparatus for configuring and tuning a crystal by selectively controlling a fluid supplied to a plurality of nodes within a substrate. The apparatus comprises a substrate having at least one node that can be selectively supplied with a liquid that will change the material property of the node. The node may be a spherical cavity in a three-dimensional structure, a cylindrical aperture in two-dimensional structure, or a cavity in a one-dimensional structure. The node or nodes in the substrate are coupled to a fluid distribution assembly that selectively alters the material property of the nodes. The material property may be changed by moving the fluid or material in a fluid, using electrohydrodynamic pumping, electroosmotic pumping, electrophoresis, thermocapillarity, electrowetting or electrocapillarity. The change in the material property in at least one of the nodes changes the electromagnetic radiation filtering or switching characteristics of the crystal.

Microstructured optical waveguide for providing periodic and resonant structures

A microstructured optical waveguide is formed to include a periodic sequence of "plugs" of optically active material within the inner cladding air tunnels. The plugs are utilized as a grating structure for generating resonant and periodic structures. The waveguide (in one embodiment, an optical fiber) is tunable by changing the spacing of the plugs (e.g., heating the structure, changing the pressure within the structure, etc.), or by modifying the initial spacing of the plugs during the formation of the microstructured optical waveguide (i.e., by modifying the "dipping frequency" of the waveguide into a reservoir of optically active material). In general, any number of different types of optically active material may be used to form the plugs, where two or more different materials may be used in the same structure, and introduced in an alternating fashion.

ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED TRANSPARENT (EIT) PHOTONIC BAND-GAP FIBERS

OPTICAL FIBER, CONNECTION STRUCTURE OF OPTICAL FIBER AND OPTICAL CONNECTOR

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical fiber which can be restrained from deteriorating in splice loss even when the refractive index of a curing resin varies due to a variation in the environment temperature under which the optical fiber is used. SOLUTION: The optical fiber 10 includes a core 11 and a clad 12 having a plurality of cavities 13 around the core 11, and has a sealing part 16 formed by filling the end of the cavities 13 with the curing resin 15, wherein the length L of the filled part after the curing resin 15 is cured for forming the sealing part 16 is 7 to 8 mm. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT ...

A photonic crystal fibre and its production

An optical fibre that comprises a core (4) of lower refractive index that is surrounded by a cladding which includes regions of a higher refractive index and is substantially periodic, where the core (4) has a longest transverse dimension that is longer than a single, shortest period of the cladding. In a fibre of this type light is substantially confined to the core area by virtue of the photonic band gap of the cladding material. A method of manufacturing such an optical fibre, comprises forming a stack of canes (5), the stack (5) including at least one truncated cane (6) that defines an aperture (7), and then drawing the stack (5) into a fibre having an elongate cavity. The fibre is suitable for high power uses, but is equally suitable for other areas, e.g. optical amplifiers, spectral filters, lasers, gas sensors and telecommunications networks. Fused elongate tubes 1, longitudinal air holes 2 and interstitial holes 3 are shown.

A photothermal micro-thruster based on holey microstructure optical fiber

The invention provides a photothermal micro-thruster based on holey microstructure optical fibers. Its characteristics are: the photothermal micro-thruster consists of a section of micromachining holey optical fiber and an optical source. The holey optical fiber is processed and prepared into a jet pump-like appearance, where one end of the holey optical fiber forms a solid single-core optical fiber end, and then a nearly spherical heating chamber is prepared by air-pressure heating. The cladding between the air-holes of the heating chamber expands and thins until the complete hot-melt, and the core is suspended in the middle through the entire heating chamber. Then femtosecond laser micro-drilling technique is used on the outer surface of the heating chamber to prepare a microfluidic microhole as the liquid inlet. At the open end, prepare a Laval nozzle using a single-sided hot melted-tapering method, which connects to the microfluidic channel in the microfluidic chip to be used. Inlet ...

A photonic band gap fibre

Terminating polymer optical fibre

HOLEY OPTICAL FIBER WITH RANDOM PATTERN OF HOLES AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME

A random array of holes is created in an optical fiber by gas generated during fiber drawing. The gas forms bubbles which are drawn into long, microscopic holes. The gas is created by a gas generating material such as silicon nitride. Silicon nitride oxidizes to produce nitrogen oxides when heated. The gas generating material can alternatively be silicon carbide or other nitrides or carbides. The random holes can provide cladding for optical confinement when located around a fiber core. The random holes can also be present in the fiber core. The fibers can be made of silica. The present random hole fibers are particularly useful as pressure sensors since they experience a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied. 121-. (canceled)22. A method for making a random hole optical fiber , comprising the steps of:heating a fiber preform containing a gas generating material that generates gas bubbles when heated; anddrawing the heated fiber preform so that the bubbles are drawn into tubes.23. The method of wherein the gas generating material is silicon nitride.24. The method of wherein the gas generating material is provided in the preform in the form of a liquid precursor.25. The method of wherein the gas generating material is a nitride claim 22 , carbide claim 22 , metal nitrate or metal carbonate.26. The method of further comprising the step of supplying oxygen to the interior of the preform.27. The method of wherein the preform comprises a glass powder combined with the gas generating material.28. The method of wherein the gas bubbles are generated by oxidation of the gas generating material.2932-. (canceled)33. An optical fiber comprising:a core composed of a glass of a refractive index; anda cladding region composed of the same glass of the same refractive index, wherein the cladding region contains tubes which are random in diameter, length and radial position within the cladding region, and wherein the tubes taper on the ...

Medical system including a flexible waveguide mechanically coupled to an actuator

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO 2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Method and Apparatus for Quantifying Solutions Comprised of Multiple Analytes

A multi-analyte sensor system based on hollow core photonic bandgap fiber and Raman anti-Stokes spectroscopy. The system includes: 120.-. (canceled)21. An analyzer system for determining the identity and concentration of at least one target analyte present in a gaseous or liquid sample utilizing the Raman optical scattering effect , the analyzer system comprising:(i) a laser light source emitting light which generates Raman Stokes and anti-Stokes emissions when incident on the target analyte; (a) a first inlet permitting introduction of a sample containing the target analyte into the HCPBG fibers; and', '(b) at least one reference calibrant in the HCPBG fibers, the reference calibrant corresponding to an analyte in the sample;, '(ii) one or more hollow core photonic band-gap (HCPBG) fibers optically connected to the laser light source, HCPBG fibers including(iii) a pump configured to inject the sample containing the target analyte into the core of the HCPBG fiber; and(iv) a spectral analysis system optically coupled to the HCPBG fibers and configured to derive the Raman anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the reference calibrant to establish a baseline response and account for cross sensitivities or spectral peak overlaps in the sample.22. The system of claim 21 , where the one or more HCPBG fibers comprise a single HCPBG fiber that has multiple hollow channels claim 21 , wherein at least one of the hollow channels is pre-filled with the reference calibrant.23. The system of claim 21 , where the one or more HCPBG fibers comprise two or more HCPBG fibers wound in parallel along a mandrel claim 21 , where at least one of the HCPBG fibers comprises the reference calibrant claim 21 , the system further comprising a coupler which switches the laser light source output from one fiber to the other.24. The system of claim 21 , where the one or more HCPBG fibers comprise a single HCPBG fiber having two or more parallel channels wound along a mandrel claim 21 , where ...

Mode filtering optical fibre

A microstructured optical fiber has periodically arranged high-index rods embedded in a low-index background, a high-index ring surrounding the high-index rods, and a high-index core located at the center. The high-index rods and the low-index background forms a microstructured cladding region which supports the guidance of supermodes. The fundamental and the highest supermodes form a cladding-mode band, wherein at least the effective index of a core mode lies in the cladding-mode band. Also provided is a technique for selectively filtering the fiber modes, to selectively filter out one or some of the high-order modes with the other modes still guided in the core with low loss. The cascade of optical fibers can filter out a group of fiber modes, marking guidance of a single high-order mode in a few-mode optical fiber possible.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFYING SOLUTIONS COMPRISED OF MULTIPLE ANALYTES

A multi-analyte sensor system based on hollow core photonic bandgap fiber and Raman anti-Stokes spectroscopy. The system includes: 1. An analyzer system for determining the identity and concentration of at least one target analyte present in a gaseous or liquid sample utilizing the Raman optical scattering effect , said analyzer system comprising:i) a laser light source emitting light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet to near infrared spectral region which generates Raman Stokes and/or anti-Stokes emissions when incident on said analyte;ii) a hollow core photonic band-gap fiber optically connected to said light source, said fiber including a first inlet permitting introduction of an analyte containing sample into the fiber;iii) at least one reference calibrant corresponding to an analyte in the sample;iv) a second inlet permitting introduction of said calibrant into the fiber;v) a spectral analysis system optically coupled to said fiber and configured to detect and measure spontaneously scattered Raman-shifted emission signals received from said fiber and to derive the Raman Stokes and/or anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of both said calibrant and said analyte;vi) an outlet for expelling the analyte and/or calibrant from the fiber.2. The system of where the fiber has multiple hollow channels.3. The system of further comprising two or more hollow core photonic band-gap fibers wound in parallel along a mandrel and a coupler which switches the optical signal output from one fiber to the other in real-time.4. The system of where a single hollow core photonic band-gap fiber having two or more parallel channels is wound along a mandrel and a coupler switches the optical signal output from one fiber channel to the other in real-time.5. The system of where the spectral analysis system comprises filters and/or dispersive elements and/or a detector array and/or CCD.6. The system of where the spectral analysis system comprises at least one optically filtered ...

Optically active matrix with void structures

An optically active element, such as a photonic crystal, is formed by creating a matrix ( 1 ) in which an optically active material is dispersed, and generating one or more void structures ( 2, 3 ) in the matrix. The matrix ( 1 ) may comprise polymer dispersed liquid crystal. The void structures ( 2, 3 ) may be generated by laser ablation. Properties of the optically active element may be tuned by thermal effects, or via the application of electric, magnetic, or polarised electromagnetic fields. The element may be adapted for use in beam steering, fluid detection, tunable lasers, polarisation multiplexing, and optical switching.

HYBRID FIBER COUPLER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

The present application is applicable to the fiber optics field and provides a hybrid fiber coupler including a lead-in single mode fiber, a coreless fiber, a hollow glass tube and a lead-out single mode fiber fusion-spliced sequentially. Both the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber include cores and claddings. Cores of the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber are not in the same horizontal direction. A curved waveguide is inscribed inside the coreless fiber and the hollow glass tube and cores of the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber are connected with said curved waveguide. The hollow glass tube has a micro-channel at either end thereof, and the two micro-channels form a microfluidic channel with the center of the hollow glass tube for allowing the analytical liquid to access the hollow glass tube. The hybrid waveguide coupler according to embodiments of the present application features cheap manufacturing materials, simple structure and ease of fabrication. 1. A hybrid fiber coupler , comprising: a lead-in single mode fiber , a coreless fiber , a hollow glass tube and a lead-out single mode fiber which are fusion-spliced sequentially , wherein both said lead-in single mode fiber and said lead-out single mode fiber comprise cores and claddings respectively , and cores of said lead-in single mode fiber and said lead-out single mode fiber are not in a same horizontal direction;wherein a curved waveguide is inscribed inside said coreless fiber and said hollow glass tube, wherein the cores of said lead-in single mode fiber and said lead-out single mode fiber are connected with said curved waveguide respectively; andwherein said hollow glass tube has a micro-channel at either end thereof, respectively, the two micro-channels form a microfluidic channel with a center of said hollow glass tube for allowing an analytical liquid to access said hollow glass tube.2. The hybrid fiber coupler of claim 1 ...

METHOD OF THERMALLY DRAWING STRUCTURED SHEETS

A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension. 1. A method of drawing a material into sheet form , the method comprising the steps of:providing a first preform section comprising a first plurality of layers, each layer of the first plurality of layers having a refractive index different from the refractive index of a neighboring layer,applying heat to the first preform section to create a thermal gradient from an exterior surface through a thickness of the first preform section inward toward a center plane of the first preform section with a more uniform temperature distribution along a width of the first preform section than along the thickness;feeding the first preform section into a furnace;drawing the first preform section in such a manner that the first plurality of layers deforms less across the width than across the thickness;providing a second preform section comprising a second plurality of layers, each layer of the second plurality of layers having a refractive index different from the refractive index of a neighboring layer,applying heat to the second preform section to create a thermal gradient from an exterior surface through a thickness of the second preform section inward toward a center plane of the second preform ...

PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER METHODS AND DEVICES

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) based photonics promises researchers and systems designers with a new degree of freedom whilst offering annular intensity distributions rather than Gaussian intensity distributions. However, absence of an optical fiber design that not only supports propagation of OAM signals and cylindrical vector modes but does so with a large design space for designers to adjust and tune the modal properties of the optical fiber supporting these OAM signals has hampered developments. Embodiments of the invention exploit photonic crystal fiber designs to support this design/manufacturing tunability whilst also supporting “endlessly single-radial order” modal regimes where the optical fiber is mono-annular over a wide range of optical wavelengths. Such optical fibers being able to support the transmission of a larger diversity of mono-annular modes (OAM or vector modes in nature, or otherwise) in a reliable manner and over a wider range of wavelengths than conventional silica optical fibers.

LIQUID CORE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBER BIOSENSORS USING SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

The invention is drawn to a photonic crystal fiber that can be used with nanoparticles to detect and quantify components in a test sample. The invention further relates to methods of using the photonic crystal fiber for detecting chemical and biological analytes, and in use in optical communications. 1. A photonic crystal fiber , the fiber comprising a proximal end and a distal end , the ends defining a first lumen through the fiber , the fiber further comprising an outer surface , the first lumen comprising an inner surface , a plurality of second lumens , wherein both ends of the fiber comprises a plurality of sealed apertures of each second lumen , the inner surface further comprising , in part , a first metallic nanoparticle composition.2. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , the inner surface further comprising claim 1 , in part claim 1 , a second metallic nanoparticle composition.3. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , the outer surface further comprising claim 1 , in part claim 1 , a metallic nanoparticle composition.4. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , wherein the lumen further comprises a solid composition.5. The photonic crystal fiber of wherein the photonic crystal fiber has a cylindrical shape and having an approximately circular cross-section.6. The photonic crystal fiber of wherein the photonic crystal fiber is flexible.7. The photonic crystal fiber of wherein the lumen further comprises a composition claim 1 , the composition selected from the group consisting of a liquid claim 1 , a plasma claim 1 , and a gas.8. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first metallic nanoparticle composition comprises a double substrate sandwich structure.9. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first metallic nanoparticle composition comprises a single layer.10. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , wherein the first metallic nanoparticle composition comprises a plurality of layers.11. The photonic crystal fiber of claim 1 , ...

섬유 스캐너용 미세구조 광섬유 발진기 및 도파관

광섬유들, 및 광섬유들을 포함하는 스캐닝 섬유 디스플레이들이 설명된다. 개시된 광섬유들은, 복수의 질량 조정 구역들이 없는 광섬유와 비교할 때 광섬유의 질량을 감소시키기 위해 중앙 도파 엘리먼트와 외주 사이에 포지셔닝된 복수의 질량 조정 구역들, 이를테면 가스-충전 구역들을 포함한다.

用于光纤扫描器的微结构化光纤振荡器和波导

所描述的是光纤和包括光纤的扫描光纤显示器。所公开的光纤包括被定位在中心波导元件与外周边之间的多个质量调节区域(诸如气体填充区域)以用于与缺少所述多个质量调节区域的光纤相比较减少所述光纤的质量。

Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber based optical component for broadband radiation generation

Disclosed are optical components and methods of manufacture thereof. A first optical component comprises a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber; first and second transparent end caps sealing respective ends of the hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, end sections between each end of the hollow-core photonic crystal fiber and its respective end cap, the end sections comprising a larger inner diameter than an inner diameter of the hollow-core photonic crystal fiber over at least a portion of said end sections; and a gas medium sealed within a space collectively defined by said hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, end sections and end caps. A second optical component comprises a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber and a sleeve arrangement.

Optical sensors

一种光学传感器包括至少一个包括多个光纤和多个独立密封纵向延伸管的束；以及用于将流体选择性地引入到所述管中的至少一部分的流体连接器。测试单元(a)由施加于该束末端、或夹在两个束的末端之间的具有孔或凹口的图案的阵列部件形成或者(b)在其中管与光纤光场交叠的情形中在光纤内形成。通常其它管用来将流体从测试单元中排出。

Optical fiber, optical fiber laser, the preparation method of optical fiber and fiber manufacturing installation

本发明的实施例提供一种光纤、光纤激光器、光纤的制备方法及光纤制造设备，涉及光纤领域，可以得到掺有统一取向的液晶的光纤。一种光纤，包括：光子晶体光纤本体，所述光子晶体光纤本体内部呈中空；所述光纤还包括：设置于所述光子晶体光纤本体内的取向层以及填充于所述光子晶体光纤本体内的液晶；所述取向层设置于所述光子晶体光纤本体的表面上，且所述取向层在所述光子晶体光纤本体的长轴方向的投影形状为环形。

System with and method for an optical delay line with a continuously variable length

The present invention provides a system and a method that employ a continuously variable optical delay line to introduce a delay into a transmitted optical signal. The delay line comprises a holey fiber (510) with a hollow core configured in a spiral layout, wherein one end of the fiber is operative to a reflective fluid reservoir (520) and the other end operative to an input port (540). A segmented piezoelectric actuator is employed to position a reflective fluid within the fiber, utilizing a commutated technique that continuously moves the fluid. A signal received at the input port is routed through the holey fiber at an angle of incidence to achieve total internal reflection. The signal traverses towards the reflective fluid, and reflects back towards the input port after coming into contact with the fluid's surface. The delay introduced into the signal is a function of the distance traveled through the delay line.

Systems and methods for a continuously variable optical delay line

The present invention provides systems and methods that employ a continuously variable optical delay line to introduce a delay into a transmitted optical signal. The delay line comprises a holey fiber configured in a spiral layout, wherein one end of the fiber is operative to a reflective fluid reservoir and the other end in operative to an input port. A segmented piezoelectric actuator is employed to position a reflective fluid within the fiber, utilizing a commutated technique that continuously moves the fluid. A signal received at the input port is routed through the holey fiber at an angle of incidence to achieve total internal reflection. The signal traverses towards the reflective fluid, and reflects back towards the input port after coming into contact with the fluid's surface. The delay introduced into the signal is a function of the distance traveled through the delay line.

Systems and methods for a continuously variable optical delay line

The present invention provides systems and methods that employ a continuously variable optical delay line to introduce a delay into a transmitted optical signal. The delay line comprises a holey fiber configured in a spiral layout, wherein one end of the fiber is operative to a reflective fluid reservoir and the other end in operative to an input port. A segmented piezoelectric actuator is employed to position a reflective fluid within the fiber, utilizing a commutated technique that continuously moves the fluid. A signal received at the input port is routed through the holey fiber at an angle of incidence to achieve total internal reflection. The signal traverses towards the reflective fluid, and reflects back towards the input port after coming into contact with the fluid's surface. The delay introduced into the signal is a function of the distance traveled through the delay line.

Systems and methods for a continuously variable optical delay line

The present invention provides systems and methods that employ a continuously variable optical delay line to introduce a delay into a transmitted optical signal. The delay line comprises a holey fiber configured in a spiral layout, wherein one end of the fiber is operative to a reflective fluid reservoir and the other end in operative to an input port. A segmented piezoelectric actuator is employed to position a reflective fluid within the fiber, utilizing a commutated technique that continuously moves the fluid. A signal received at the input port is routed through the holey fiber at an angle of incidence to achieve total internal reflection. The signal traverses towards the reflective fluid, and reflects back towards the input port after coming into contact with the fluid's surface. The delay introduced into the signal is a function of the distance traveled through the delay line.

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

광섬유들, 및 광섬유들을 포함하는 스캐닝 섬유 디스플레이들이 설명된다. 개시된 광섬유들은, 복수의 질량 조정 구역들이 없는 광섬유와 비교할 때 광섬유의 질량을 감소시키기 위해 중앙 도파 엘리먼트와 외주 사이에 포지셔닝된 복수의 질량 조정 구역들, 이를테면 가스-충전 구역들을 포함한다.

Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal

In general, in one aspect, the invention features systems, including a photonic crystal fiber (120) including a core (210) extending along a waveguide axis and a dielectric confinement region (220) surrounding the core, the dielectric confinement region (220) being configured to guide radiation along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the photonic crystal fiber (120). The systems also includes a handpiece (680) attached to the photonic crystal fiber (120), wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient.

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Terminating polymer optical fibre

Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal fibers

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to, guide radiation from the CO 2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Photonic crystal fiber sensor

Systems and methods for sensing a target analyte. An example sensor includes a tunable light source that provides a substantially single optical mode of light, a detector, a processor, and a resonator. The resonator resonates light provided by the light source at a predefined frequency. The resonator includes a photonic crystal fiber having a solid region that guides a substantially single optical mode of light and at least one hollow channel adjacent to the solid region. The hollow channel receives a fluid from an external source. The hollow channel is coated with a film having a material that is reactive with the target analyte in a manner that changes the optical properties of the film. The detector detects light from the resonator. A predetermined change in the detected signal as determined by the processor indicates presence of the target analyte. The material in the film is reversible.

Holey optical fiber with random pattern of holes and method for making same

A random array of holes is created in an optical fiber by gas generated during fiber drawing. The gas forms bubbles which are drawn into long, microscopic holes. The gas is created by a gas generating material such as silicon nitride. Silicon nitride oxidizes to produce nitrogen oxides when heated. The gas generating material can alternatively be silicon carbide or other nitrides or carbides. The random holes can provide cladding for optical confinement when located around a fiber core. The random holes can also be present in the fiber core. The fibers can be made of silica. The present random hole fibers are particularly useful as pressure sensors since they experience a large wavelength dependant increase in optical loss when pressure or force is applied.

Optical fiber, optical fiber connecting method, and optical connector

An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.

Optical fiber, optical fiber connecting method, and optical connector

An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.

Optical hollow-core delivery fiber and hollow-endcap termination and associated method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

Optical fiber, sealing method for optical fiber end face, connection structure of optical fiber, and optical connector

本发明提供了可靠性高的光纤、光纤端面密封方法、光纤的连接结构以及光连接器。本发明的多孔光纤(50)是由实心地形成的芯部(11)、设置于芯部(11)周围的包层(12)、设置于芯部(11)周围的折射率大致为1的多个空孔(13)构成，还具有填充于光纤端面(14)的空孔(13)中的固化性树脂(15)。在多个空孔(13)的光纤端面(14)的附近内填充固化性树脂(15)并进行固化，所述固化性树脂(15)具有固化后的透湿率为0.5g/cm 2 ·24h以下的特性，或者与玻璃的粘接强度为5MPa以上且固化后的硬度用肖氏D硬度表示为50以上的特性。

A method of connecting a solid-state optical fiber to another optical fiber and solid-state optical fiber to a jointing device

Verfahren zum Verbinden einer optischen Festkernfaser (2) mit einer weiteren optischen Faser (20), umfassend die Schritte: – Ausbilden einer Fügungsvorrichtung (10) auf einem axialen Ende der optischen Festkernfaser (2) mit Hilfe eines 3D-Druckers, wobei das Ausbilden der Fügungsvorrichtung (10) ein Ausbilden eines Basiselements (4) auf dem axialen Ende der optischen Festkernfaser und ein Ausbilden eines an das Basiselement (4) angeordneten Verbindungselements (6) zur Aufnahme eines axialen Endes der weiteren optischen Faser (20) und zur Ausrichtung der weiteren optischen Faser (20) an die optische Festkernfaser (2) umfasst; und – Verbinden der weiteren optischen Faser (20) mit der optischen Festkernfaser (2) durch Einführen des axialen Endes der weiteren optischen Faser (20) in die Fügungsvorrichtung (10). A method of joining a solid-state optical fiber (2) to another optical fiber (20), comprising the steps of: - forming a jointing device (10) on an axial end of the solid-core optical fiber (2) by means of a 3D printer, the forming of A joining device (10) forming a base member (4) on the axial end of the solid-core optical fiber and forming a connecting member (6) disposed on the base member (4) for receiving one axial end of the another optical fiber (20) and aligning the other optical fiber (20) to the solid-state optical fiber (2); and - connecting the further optical fiber (20) to the solid-core optical fiber (2) by inserting the axial end of the further optical fiber (20) into the jointing device (10).

Polarization filter for simultaneously filtering orthogonally polarized light at communication wavelength

本发明涉及一种光纤偏振滤波器,具体涉及一种用于通信波长处同时对正交偏振光滤波的偏振滤波器，其主体结构为一根光子晶体光纤，基底材料为纯净的环烯烃共聚物(COC)，光纤的包层中设有周期性排列的空气孔，包层内空气孔呈六边形排列，六边形顶点处的空气孔被去除。在光子晶体光纤中心处存在一个雪花状液体通道，通道内壁镀有两层金属薄膜，分别是氧化铟锡(ITO)膜和金(Au)膜。该偏振滤波器设计新颖、结构体积小、易实现微型化；雪花状结构中液体与金属在光子晶体光纤中心，倏逝场能容易地穿透金属膜，进而产生共振现象，实现偏振滤波功能。

Method for manufacturing photonics structure

Photonic crystal fiber methods and devices

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) based photonics promises researchers and systems designers with a new degree of freedom whilst offering annular intensity distributions rather than Gaussian intensity distributions. However, absence of an optical fiber design that not only supports propagation of OAM signals and cylindrical vector modes but does so with a large design space for designers to adj ust and tune the modal properties of the optical fiber supporting these OAM signals has hampered developments. Embodiments of the invention exploit photonic crystal fiber designs to support this design / manufacturing tunability whilst also supporting "endlessly single-radial order" modal regimes where the optical fiber is mono-annular over a wide range of optical wavelengths. Such optical fibers being able to support the transmission of a larger diversity of mono-annular modes (OAM or vector modes in nature, or otherwise) in a reliable manner and over a wider range of wavelengths than conventional silica optical fibers.

Sensor for detecting a target substance in a fluid

A device for detecting a target substance in a fluid is provided. This device comprises a periodic structure having a vacant portion for passing the fluid containing the target substance and a solid portion arranged regularly and capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave-projecting means for projecting the electromagnetic wave to the periodic structure, and a detecting means for measuring the magnetic wave emitted from the periodic structure to detect a change in periodic distribution of a refractive index. This sensor is highly sensitive in a small size.

Fluorescence detection system including a photonic band gap structure

A fluorescence detection system includes a photonic band gap structure. An internal surface of the photonic band gap structure defines a core region, and is coated with a film formed of conjugated polymer molecules. The core region is filled with a sample fluid or gas having a plurality of either chemical or biological analytes dispersed therein. An optical source generates excitation light directed to the sample fluid. In response, a binding event between a bacterium or chemical species in the fluid or gas and one or more of the conjugated polymer molecules generates a fluorescent singal whose wavelength falls within the photonic band gap. The fluorescent signal is guided through said core region by resonant reflections, and is guided onto a detector. A plurality of photonic band gap structures may be combined so as to form a biosensor array.

Microstructured optical waveguide for providing periodic and resonant structures

A microstructured optical waveguide is formed to include a periodic sequence of “plugs” of optically active material within the inner cladding air tunnels. The plugs are utilized as a grating structure for generating resonant and periodic structures. The waveguide (in one embodiment, an optical fiber) is tunable by changing the spacing of the plugs (e.g., heating the structure, changing the pressure within the structure, etc.), or by modifying the initial spacing of the plugs during the formation of the microstructured optical waveguide (i.e., by modifying the “dipping frequency” of the waveguide into a reservoir of optically active material). In general, any number of different types of optically active material may be used to form the plugs, where two or more different materials may be used in the same structure, and introduced in an alternating fashion.

Fabrication of semiconductor metamaterials

A method of fabricating a semiconductor metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more elongate, high aspect ratio voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a semiconductor material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the semiconductor material to deposit onto the surface of the one or more voids of the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and semiconductor materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location, spatial extent, and thickness of the deposition of the semiconductor within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced.

Improvements in and relating to optical fibres

Optical sensors

An optical sensor comprises at least one bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of separate fluid-tight longitudinally extending ducts; and fluid connectors for introducing fluids selectively into at least some of said ducts. Test cells are formed (a) by array members with a pattern of holes or recesses applied to the end of the bundle, or sandwiched between the ends of two bundles or (b) within the fibers in cases where a duct overlaps with the optical field of the fiber. Usually others of the ducts serve to remove fluid from the test cells.

Optical fiber, end face sealing method of optical fiber, connecting structure of optical fiber, and optical connector

【課題】信頼性の高い光ファイバ、光ファイバの端面封止方法、光ファイバの接続構造及び光コネクタを提供する。 【解決手段】ホーリーファイバ５０は、中実に形成されたコア１１と、コア１１の周囲に設けられたクラッド１２と、コア１１の周囲に設けられた屈折率が略１の複数の空孔１３からなり、光ファイバ端面１４の空孔１３に充填された硬化性樹脂１５とを備えて構成されている。複数の空孔１３の光ファイバ端面１４の近傍内には、硬化後の透湿率が０．５ｇ／ｃｍ ２ ・２４ｈ以下の特性、またはガラスとの接着強度が５ＭＰａ以上、及び硬化後の硬さがショアＤで５０以上の特性を有する硬化性樹脂１５が充填され、硬化が施されている。 【選択図】図１

Microstructured fiber oscillator and waveguide for fiber optic scanner

所描述的是光纤和包括光纤的扫描光纤显示器。所公开的光纤包括被定位在中心波导元件与外周边之间的多个质量调节区域(诸如气体填充区域)以用于与缺少所述多个质量调节区域的光纤相比较减少所述光纤的质量。

Optical fiber, optical fiber connection structure and optical connector

A photonic band gap fibre

An optical fibre having a periodicidal cladding structure provididing a photonic band gap structure with superior qualities. The periodical structure being one wherein high index areas are defined and wherein these are separated using a number of methods. One such method is the introduction of additional low index elements, another method is providing elongated elements deformed in relation to a circular cross section. Also described is a cladding structure comprising elongated elements of a material having an index of refraction higher than that of the material adjacent thereto. Using this additional material, prior art structures may obtain much better qualities.

Fluorescence detection system including a photonic band gap structure

A fluorescence detection system includes a photonic band gap structure. An internal surface of the photonic band gap structure defines a core region, and is coated with a film formed of conjugated polymer molecules. The core region is filled with a sample fluid or gas having a plurality of either chemical or biological analytes dispersed therein. An optical source generates excitation light directed to the sample fluid. In response, a binding event between a bacterium or chemical species in the fluid or gas and one or more of the conjugated polymer molecules generates a fluorescent singal whose wavelength falls within the photonic band gap. The fluorescent signal is guided through said core region by resonant reflections, and is guided onto a detector. A plurality of photonic band gap structures may be combined so as to form a biosensor array.

System with and method for an optical delay path with a continuously variable length

Tunable microfluidic optical fiber devices and systems

A tunable optical fiber device comprises a length of fiber having a core having a certain refractive index; a cladding peripherally surrounding the core with a refractive index less than the refractive index of the core; and at least one hollow region disposed within the cladding in proximity to the core or within the core itself. Fluid (typically liquid) controllably moved within the hollow region modifies the effective index of the fiber and thereby tunes its characteristics.

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Method of sealing air holes in an optical fiber

An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.

Method and apparatus for quantifying solutions comprised of multiple analytes

A multi-analyte sensor system based on hollow core photonic bandgap fiber and Raman anti-Stokes spectroscopy. The system includes:i) an inlet to introduce an analyte sample into an analyzer chamber which analyzer includes;ii) a measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the sample;iii) a set of reference calibrants corresponding to the analytes of which the sample is primarily comprised;iv) a second inlet to introduce said calibrants into the analyzer chamber;v) a second measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the calibrantsvi) an outlet through which the sample and calibrants are expelled from the analyzer chamber.

Endcaps for hollow-core optical fibers and method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

Photonic crystal fibers having a preferred bending plane and systems that use such fibers

In general, in a first aspect, the invention features photonic crystal fibers that include a core extending along a waveguide axis, a confinement region extending along the waveguide axis surrounding the core, and a cladding extending along the waveguide axis surrounding the confinement region, wherein the cladding has an asymmetric cross-section.

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING PHOTONIC STRUCTURES

Fresnel fibre and lens

A fresenel zoned microstructured optical fibre is described. The fibre is constructed of concentric zones, each zone being defined by discontinuities in the refractive index. The refractive index within each zone may either be constant or may vary, for example each zone being a section of a parabola or hyperbola. The fibre may be used as a lens, for example for coupling light between fibres with different core sizes.

Rhombic double-core photonic crystal fiber polarization beam splitter with liquid crystal filled in air holes

本发明公开了一种空气孔填充液晶的菱形双芯光子晶体光纤偏振分束器，包括纤芯区域和包层区域；其中，包层区域位于纤芯区域的外侧；纤芯区域包括第一圆孔气孔、第一纤芯和第二纤芯，第一圆空气孔位于纤芯区域的正中心，其内部完全填充向列项液晶材料；第一纤芯和第二纤芯位于第一圆空气孔两侧；包层区域包括多个第二圆空气孔、多个第三圆空气孔以及多个第四圆空气孔；第一纤芯、第二纤芯、多个第二圆空气孔、多个第三圆空气孔以及多个第四圆空气孔环绕第一圆孔气孔呈多层排布结构，且多层排布结构的每一层均为菱形结构。本发明结构简单，长度较短，能够在全光通信系统等方面发挥重要作用。

Optical fiber optical tweezers based on cholesteric liquid crystal filling

一种基于胆甾相液晶填充的光纤光镊，其创新在于：所述光纤光镊由填充有胆甾相液晶的空芯光纤构成；所述空芯光纤中设置有2n个纤芯孔，n为大于或等于2的自然数；在空芯光纤的横截面上，多个纤芯孔与空芯光纤轴心的间距相同，且多个纤芯孔沿空芯光纤的周向均匀分布；各个纤芯孔内均填充有胆甾相液晶，所述胆甾相液晶的螺旋对称轴与空芯光纤轴向平行，填充了胆甾相液晶的空芯光纤即形成光纤光镊。本发明的有益技术效果是：提供了一种新的光纤光镊，该光纤光镊结构简单，不需要移动光纤光镊，可以仅通过调节光强度就能使微小粒子运动。

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

Photonic crystal fiber sensor

Apparatus and method for chemical and biological agent sensing. An example sensing apparatus includes a resonator (36) having a resonance frequency. The resonator (36) includes a coil (38) of a photonic crystal fiber (54) forming a closed light path. The photonic crystal fiber (54) has a solid region (56) configured to guide a substantially single optical mode of light having, a cladding (58) surrounding an exterior of the solid region (56), and at least one hollow channel (46) within the cladding (58). The photonic crystal fiber (54) is configured to introduce a fluid that may contain an analyte to the hollow channel (46). The photonic crystal fiber (54) is configured so that the light interacts with the fluid. The resonator (36) is configured to produce a resonance signal centered at the resonance frequency. A predetermined change in the resonance signal indicates a presence of a quantity of the analyte in the fluid.

Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal fibers

In general, in one aspect, the invention features apparatus that include an assembly including a radiation input port configured to receive radiation from a radiation source and an output port configured to couple the radiation to a photonic crystal fiber, the assembly further including a retardation element positioned to modify a polarization state of the radiation received from the radiation source before it is coupled to the photonic crystal fiber.

Holey fibers filled with raman active fluid

Hollow core or “holey” optical fibers are filled with a gas or liquid which exhibits high Raman gain. Such gases as hydrogen and hydrogen isotopes are preferred embodiment. When these fibers are pumped with a pump laser, signals at an appropriate frequency carried by the fiber may be amplified, attenuated, changed to a different frequency, or mixed with other signals.

Strand for combining into optical fiber unit

Stimulated brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror utilizing photonic bandgap guide and method

A phase conjugate mirror comprising a photonic band gap light guide and a stimulated Brillouin scattering medium disposed in operational relation thereto. In specific embodiments, the light guide is an optical fiber with a high index cladding transparent at a propagation wavelength and a hollow or solid core. The cladding is microstructured silica and supports guide modes through frustrated tunneling photonic band gap guidance or Bragg photonic band gap guidance. The fiber has an array of channels disposed around the core. In one embodiment, the fiber is disposed within a stimulated Brillouin scattering cell. In this embodiment, the medium is gas, gel, or liquid. In an alternative embodiment, the medium is a solid disposed at the core of the fiber. The invention provides a means of guiding light with a gas filled or solid core structure with high guiding efficiency, high reflection back into the medium, without disturbing the polarization state of the light as it propagates.

Optical fiber, end part processing method of opticalfiber, and end part processing apparatus of optical fiber

An optical fiber that has no bubbles in the ultraviolet ray curable resin filled inside the air holes to seal the end parts thereof, an end part processing method of the optical fiber, and an end part processing apparatus of the optical fiber, are provided. In an end part processing method of an optical fiber that is comprised of a core and a cladding formed around the core, the cladding having a refraction index lower than that of the core and has a plurality of air holes formed therein along the axis of the core, wherein the end part process of the optical fiber is to form sealed portions on the ends of the air holes by sealing them with ultraviolet ray curable resin, the method is characterized in that the sealed portion is formed by heating the end of the optical fiber.

Single mode optical fibre

A large core photonic crystal fibre for transmitting radiation having a core comprising a substantially transparent core material and having a core diameter of at least 5 ν. The fibre also comprises a cladding region surrounding the length of core material, wherein the cladding region comprises a first substantially transparent cladding material, having a first refractive index, and wherein the first substantially transparent cladding material has embedded along its length a substantially periodic array of holes, wherein the holes are filled with a second cladding material having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, such that radiation input to the optical fibre is transmitted along the length of the core material in a single mode of propagation. In a preferred embodiment, the core diameter may be at least 20 ν, and may be as large as 50 ν. The fibre is capable of transmitting higher power radiation than conventional fibres, whilst maintaining propagation in a single mode. The core material may be doped with a material capable of providing amplification under the action of pump radiation input to the fibre. The invention also relates to a fibre amplifier and a fibre laser comprising a doped large core photonic crystal fibre. The fibre may also be used in a system for transmitting radiation comprising a plurality of lengths of large core photonic crystal fibre, separated by large core photonic crystal fibre amplifiers, such that the power of radiation transmitted through the system is maintained above a predetermined threshold power.

Optical fiber communications system using index-guiding microstructured optical fibers

A long-distance, high bit-rate optical communications link is described comprising an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and an index-guiding microstructured optical fiber between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, the microstructured optical fiber having a majority of the cross-section of the core and cladding regions occupied by voids. The voids are dimensioned such that an effective index of refraction of the cladding region is less than an effective index of the core region, the optical fiber propagating light by an index-guiding effect. The attenuation and dispersion characteristics of the microstructured optical fiber, when expressed in dB/km and ps/(nm-km), respectively, each decrease in approximate proportion to the percentage of cross-sectional area occupied by the voids. An appropriate void-to-cross-sectional area ratio may be selected so as to provide an optical communications link that provides substantially increased data throughput using today's installed base of conduit and communications relay stations. Alternatively, current data throughput rates may be preserved, while system hardware requirements are substantially decreased in terms of regenerator spacing, optical amplifier spacing, dispersion-compensating fiber lengths, optical filtering device precisions, and/or optical source device precisions, thereby decreasing the costs of system construction and maintenance and improving system reliability.

Broadband microstructure optical fiber polarization filter

本发明涉及一种宽带微结构光纤偏振滤波器，属于光纤通信领域。石英为基底材料，包括位于中心的向列相液晶E7填充纤芯、两个镀金空气孔缺陷区和空气孔‑石英微结构包层；所述光纤中的空气孔整体上成正六边形排布，并且三个空气孔能够形成正三角形分布；将中心的空气孔增大并且填充向列相液晶E7，与周围的石英基底构建向列相液晶E7填充纤芯，向列相液晶E7分子平行于指向矢的光轴位于x方向；镀金空气孔为从原点沿着y轴正方向向外的第一个圆心位于y轴上的空气孔及以x轴为对称轴在y轴负方向对称位置的空气孔。本发明金属芯和环绕金属芯的6个孔径相同的空气孔以及周围石英基底构成C6v对称性结构，各阶金属SPP模式几乎没有双折射。

Electromagnetically induced transparent (EIT) photonic band-gap fibers

Fiber- or rod-based optical source featuring a large-core, rare-earth-doped photonic-crystal device for generation of high-power pulsed radiation and method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

A photonic band gap fibre

An optical fibre having a periodicidal cladding structure provididing a photonic band gap structure with superior qualities. The periodical structure being one wherein high index areas are defined and wherein these are separated using a number of methods. One such method is the introduction of additional low index elements, another method is providing elongated elements deformed in relation to a circular cross section. Also described is a cladding structure comprising elongated elements of a material having an index of refraction higher than that of the material adjacent thereto. Using this additional material, prior art structures may obtain much better qualities.

Photonic crystal optical waveguide

A photonic crystal optical waveguide provided with an optical waveguide unit having a refractive index periodicity in at least one direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of a guided light, and having a core consisting of a photonic crystal structured to have a uniform refractive index in the transmission direction of the guided light, and a clad disposed in contact with the core so as to confine the guided light into the core, characterized in that the waveguide is further provided with an incident-side phase modulation unit disposed so as to be close to or in contact with the light incident surface of the core.

Magnetic tunable polarizer based on hollow anti-resonance optical fiber

本发明涉及一种基于空芯反谐振光纤的磁致可调谐起偏器，包括第一单模光纤段、空芯反谐振光纤段和第二单模光纤段；第一单模光纤段和第二单模光纤段分别与空芯反谐振光纤段的两端熔接；第一单模光纤段和第二单模光纤段分别用于非偏光的输入和偏振光的输出；空芯反谐振光纤段用于实现光起偏；空芯反谐振光纤段以石英玻璃为基底材料，包层多个不接触的薄壁毛细管环绕空气纤芯，纤芯位于所述光纤的几何中心区域；在其中一个薄壁毛细管中或对称设置的两个薄壁毛细管中填充有磁性离子液体；磁性离子液体具有对外磁场产生宏观响应的特性。本发明采用磁性离子液体集成空芯反谐振光纤制作光纤起偏器，不破坏光纤结构，制作的光纤起偏器结构紧凑且性能稳定。

Polarisation preserving optical fibre

A micro-structured optical fibre having a cladding comprising a number of elements having a non-circular cross-section. Each element has at least one part extending outside a circle having the same cross-sectional area as the element. These extending parts are directed in the same direction. This cladding structure provides polarisation preserving properties to the optical fibre. Optical fibres using this technology may have claddings with elements placed non-periodically as well as in a two-dimensional periodic lattice - such as cladding providing Photonic Band Gap (PBG) effects.

Chirped-pulse amplifier using photonic-crystal-rod (PCR) waveguides and associated method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

Method of thermally drawing structured sheets

A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.

Monolithic or ribbon-like multi-core photonic-crystal fibers and associated method

A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.

Photonic crystal fibers and medical systems including photonic crystal

A structured optical fibre with cladding region sized to provide high numerical aperture, method of its production, and use thereof

An article comprising an optical fibre, the fibre comprising at least one core surrounded by a first outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region being surrounded by a second outer cladding region, the first outer cladding region in the cross-section comprising a number of first outer cladding features having a lower refractive index than any material surrounding the first outer cladding features, wherein for a plurality of said first outer cladding features, the minimum distance between two nearest neighbouring first outer cladding features is smaller than 1.0 µm or smaller than an optical wavelength of light guided through the fibre when in use; a method of its production, and use thereof.

Photonic crystal optical waveguide

フォトニック結晶光導波路は、導波光の伝搬方向に垂直な少なくとも一方向に屈折率周期性を有し、前記導波光の伝搬方向には一様な屈折率を有する構造のフォトニック結晶からなるコアと、前記導波光を前記コア内に閉じ込めるために、前記コアに接して設置されているクラッドとを有する光導波路部を備えたフォトニック結晶光導波路であって、前記コアの光入射面に近接もしくは接触するように設置された入射側位相変調部を備えたことを特徴とする。 A photonic crystal optical waveguide has a refractive index periodicity in at least one direction perpendicular to the propagation direction of guided light, and a core made of a photonic crystal having a uniform refractive index in the propagation direction of the guided light. And a photonic crystal optical waveguide having an optical waveguide portion having a clad disposed in contact with the core for confining the guided light in the core, wherein the photonic crystal optical waveguide is in proximity to the light incident surface of the core Or the incident side phase modulation part installed so that it may contact may be provided.

Optical sensor

Fabrication of semiconductor metamaterials

Microstructured optical fibre with selectively enlarged spaces of reduced refraction index, especially for the generation of nonlinear effects and stress measurements

Plastic photonic crystal fiber for terahertz wave transmission and method for manufacturing thereof

The present invention relates to a plastic photonic crystal fiber for terahertz wave transmission and a method for the manufacturing thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a plastic photonic crystal fiber that can be easily manufactured and has low loss characteristics to be used as a waveguide of terahertz waves. The plastic photonic crystal fiber includes a crystal defect component having a longitudinal axis and a photonic crystal component surrounding the crystal defect component. The photonic crystal component has an array of a plurality of plastic elements having longitudinal axes and forming a 2-dimensional photonic crystal structure with a predetermined lattice constant. Further, the plastic photonic crystal fiber of the present invention can be used as a preform from which a plastic photonic crystal fiber for an optical communication (400-800 nm) can be drawn.

Microstructured fiber optic oscillator and waveguide for fiber scanner

Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Process for manufacturing a micro-structured optical fibre

Forming an intermediate polymer preform of elongated shape for manufacturing a microstructured optical fibre can comprise: making a mould with a tubular par (21) containing a pattern of hole generating elements (23) (wires, rods or tubes) extending along it, the hole generating elements being releasably attached to an upper (25) and to a lower (22) base of the mould; cleaning the mould by circulating a filtered solvent in it; filling the mould with a fluid polymer optical material or polymer precursor; consolidating the polymer material or precursor so that it cannot change its shape under operating stress conditions at ambient temperature: releasing the hole generating elements from the upper and lower base; extracting the consolidated core preform from the mould and, if required, extracting the hole-generating elements from the core preform (40), in order to create the microstructure. The process can further include calibrating the intermediate preform, wherein calibrating comprises: stretching the intermediate preform during a stretching period by heating it (51) at a predetermined stretching temperature avove Tg and applying a tensional load (F) to the intermediate preform (50) along its elongation axis, so as to cause its straining along the elongation axis, the stetching temperature, the tensional laod and the stretching period being selected so as to impress a viscoelastic deformation to the intermediate preform; cooling the intermediate preform to a temperature below Tg during a cooling period, while maintaining the stretched preform in tension, so as to avoid a substantial release of said viscoelastic deformation; inserting the intermediate preform in a calibration tube (53) having a cylindrical inner shape; and heating (52) the intermediate polymer preform to a calibration temperature above Tg during a calibration period sufficient to achieve a substantial release of said viscoelastic deformation.

Photonic crystal fiber methods and devices

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) based photonics promises researchers and systems designers with a new degree of freedom whilst offering annular intensity distributions rather than Gaussian intensity distributions. However, absence of an optical fiber design that not only supports propagation of OAM signals and cylindrical vector modes but does so with a large design space for designers to adj ust and tune the modal properties of the optical fiber supporting these OAM signals has hampered developments. Embodiments of the invention exploit photonic crystal fiber designs to support this design / manufacturing tunability whilst also supporting "endlessly single-radial order" modal regimes where the optical fiber is mono-annular over a wide range of optical wavelengths. Such optical fibers being able to support the transmission of a larger diversity of mono-annular modes (OAM or vector modes in nature, or otherwise) in a reliable manner and over a wider range of wavelengths than conventional silica optical fibers.

Functionalization of air hole arrays of photonic crystal fibers

An inventive sensor is used in combination with spectroscopic techniques to detect, identify and quantify ultratrace (ppt to ppb) quantities of analytes in air or water samples. The sensor preferably comprises a photonic crystal fiber having an air hole cladding with functionalized air holes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a preferred spectroscopic technique. In such applications, the air holes of the fiber may be functionalized by adsorbing a self-assembled monolayer on their inner surfaces, and immobilizing metallic nanoparticles to the monolayer. The invention has chemical and biomedical applications, and utility in detecting chemical and biological agents used in warfare.

Fiber waveguides and methods of making the same

In general, in one aspect, the invention features an article including a high-power, low-loss fiber waveguide that includes alternating layers of different dielectric materials surrounding a core extending along a waveguide axis, the different dielectric materials including a polymer and a glass.

Methods of processing of air-clad and photonic-crystal fibers

A method of processing of air clad and photonic-crystal fibers enabling fiber cleaving, splicing and polishing is disclosed. Collapse of air channels, which are part of an air-clad fiber supports the processing techniques. The methods also provide means for heat generated by laser radiation at the spliced section of an air-clad fiber with conventional fiber collection and utilization.

Tunable optical filter having large diameter optical waveguide with bragg grating and with reducing the bulk modulus

Optical Fiber and Optical Transmission Medium

The present invention can easily realize an optical fiber and an optical transmission line that can propagate a light in a single mode while lowering a macro-bending loss against a small-diameter bending. An optical fiber 1 according to the present invention includes a first cladding region 3 having a refractive index lower than a refractive index of a core region 2 on outer circumference of the core region 2 . Sub-medium regions 5 a to 5 f , 6 a to 6 f are arranged in multilayer in the first cladding region 3 , which have a refractive index lower than a refractive index of a main-medium region of the first cladding region 3 . The sub-medium regions 5 a to 5 f having a circular shape with a lateral cross section of a diameter d 1 is arranged in an inner cladding area 3 a of the first cladding region 3 , and the sub-medium regions 6 a to 6 f having a circular shape with a lateral cross section of a diameter d 2 (>d 1 ) is arranged in an outer cladding area 3 b of the first cladding region 3.

Method of processing end-faces of air-clad and photonic-crystal fibers, and fibers produced thereby

A method of preventing contamination of the air channels (156)in the capillaries or pores of an air-clad or photonic-crystal fiber during polishing of the end-faces. A glass or silica fiber rod (108, 110) comparable to the fiber is fused to the end-face of the fiber, cut, and polished to form a thin protective plate (112) having no appreciable affect on the optical properties of the fiber. Alternatively the air capillaries may be sealed by a UV-curable fluid (162) or by melting the surrounding material. The end-face of the fiber thus presents a polished or cleaved surface for optical coupling to other fibers without causing damage or contamination to the air channels of the fiber. In addition to protecting the end-face of an air-clad photonic-crystal fiber with a thin plate, it is also possible to utilize a graded-index (GRIN) element (150) to perform the protective function as well as an optical function.