Suspended-core fibers show high nonlinearity

Jan. 1, 2009
Photonic-crystal fibers (PCFs) with high numerical aperture (NA) and small mode-field diameter are used in many nonlinear applications such as supercontinuum generation.

Photonic-crystal fibers (PCFs) with high numerical aperture (NA) and small mode-field diameter are used in many nonlinear applications such as supercontinuum generation (see www.laserfocusworld.com/articles/338737). However, suspended-core fibers (SCFs)–first reported in 2002–consist of a simpler, easier-to-fabricate design with potentially higher NA values, smaller mode-field diameters, and shorter zero-dispersion wavelengths. Building on earlier lead-silicate SCF designs, researchers at IMRA America (Ann Arbor, MI) have now developed small-core, low-loss SCFs from silica that provide a pathway towards compact, all-fiber nonlinear devices.

Analysis of SCF designs, fabricated by stacking six silica capillaries around a silica core and expanding the air holes while drawing, showed that confinement losses could be reduced by increasing the air-cladding dimension. With a core diameter of only 1.27 µm, measured loss at 1550 nm was only 0.078 dB/m–a record for such a small core diameter. A 1.3 m length of a similar SCF with an oval core of 2.3 x 2.8 µm and only a 0.25 dB splice loss to Hi1060 fiber (a specialty fiber made by Corning of Corning, NY) generated a supercontinuum from 1300 to 1600 nm using an ytterbium-fiber laser (1045 nm, 350 fs at 200 kHz repetition rate) at a peak power of only 2 kW, eliminating the need for amplification in frequency-stabilized ytterbium-fiber oscillators using a self-reference scheme. Contact Liang Dong at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Flexible, Thixotropic, One Component Dual Cure Epoxy

Dec. 1, 2023
Master Bond UV23FLDC-80TK is a moderate viscosity, cationic type system that offers both UV light and heat curing mechanisms. It cures readily within 20-30 seconds when exposed...

MRF Polishing

Dec. 1, 2023
Welcome to Avantier, your esteemed partner in optical solutions for over five decades. With a legacy of expert knowledge, we invite you to delve into the realm of precision optics...

Fluorescence Microscopy Part 1: Illuminating Samples for High-Resolution Imaging

Dec. 1, 2023
Illuminating Samples Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful imaging technique widely used in various fields, especially in biomedical research, to visualize and study fluorescently...

Photonics Business Moves: December 1, 2023

Dec. 1, 2023
Here are the top four photonics business moves that made headlines during the week ending December 1, 2023.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!