Optical-fiber lasers and amplifiers move ahead

Optical fiber can be fashioned into a simple light guide to transmit optical information over long unrepeatered distances and at high speeds. But, optical fiber also can be used to fabricate fiber-based components which do far more than simply transmit light.

Dec 1st, 1994

Lasing and amplifying are two functions fiber lasers perform

Optical storage: a growing mass market for lasers

More in Fiber Optics
FIGURE 1. A schematic representation details the spectral components of scattered light within an optical fiber.
Fiber Optics
Fiber-optic Sensing: Smart fiber-optic sensing systems enhance physical border walls and fences

Distributed fiber-optic sensing architectures complement physical borders by providing accurate, cost-effective, real-time monitoring of perimeter intrusions.

Jul 1st, 2019
Test & Measurement
On-chip laser-based quantum device generates true random numbers

A photonic integrated circuit containing two laser diodes whose outputs are interfered and measured produces truly random numbers at gigahertz rates.

John Wallace
Jul 1st, 2019
John Lewis 720
Commentary
Fiber sensing

John Lewis
Jul 1st, 2019
Cisco plans to acquire Acacia Communications to expand its optical networking portfolio.
Fiber Optics
Cisco to acquire Acacia for $2.6B, boosting coherent optical and interconnect solutions

Cisco says that innovation across software, silicon, and optics is fueling its initiative to make networks smarter, simpler, and more secure.

Gail Overton
Jul 10th, 2019
SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has agreed to purchase Xmark Media, including Photonex Europe, Photonex Scotland, Photonex London, and Vacuum Expo.
Optics
SPIE to acquire UK’s Xmark Media and its Photonex events

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has agreed to purchase Xmark Media, including Photonex Europe, Photonex Scotland, Photonex London, and Vacuum Expo

Gail Overton
Jun 21st, 2019
A tiny fiber-optic probe and methods from the University of California, Riverside are improving the ability to understand molecular bonds for a host of important applications.
Fiber Optics
Fiber-optic probe maps molecular bonds with 1 nm resolution

UC Riverside engineers have developed a new technology to tunnel light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency.

Gail Overton
Jun 12th, 2019
1906 Lfw Jl 1a
Lasers & Sources
LASER World of PHOTONICS 2019: Inspiring

The depth and diversity of photonics technologies and products on display is an exciting reminder of the pivotal role of the world’s leading photonics tradeshow.

John Lewis
Jun 7th, 2019
The European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC; logo as shown), the industry association that promotes the sustainable development of organizations working in the field of photonics, has released news that Nobel Laureates are pushing to insure that photonics has a future in the European Union.
Lasers & Sources
Nobel Laureates push to include photonics in Horizon Europe 2021-27 program

It is vital that the Commission recognizes the crucial role photonics plays in the industrial ecosystem and makes it a priority in Horizon Europe.

Gail Overton
Jun 7th, 2019
The TuLIPSS hyperspectral imager schematic is detailed. (Image credit: Rice University)
Optics
Optical fiber-based TuLIPSS captures ‘snapshot’ hyperspectral images

Gail Overton
Jun 1st, 2019
FIGURE 1. Two basic connector concepts include a cylindrical connector (a) and a cone connector (b); mechanical reference areas are marked red and the impinging laser radiation is shown in green.
Fiber Optics
High-power fiber connectors keep it simple

Jun 1st, 2019