Fast response vibration sensor based on Bragg gratings written in tapered core fibres

Bragg gratings written in tapered core fibres permit a direct measure of mechanical vibrations with a time response better than 10 µs. The intrinsic properties of the sensors lead to a simple interrogation technique and wavelength multiplexing capacity. The sensor system is operated at 800 nm and is compact and low-cost.

Actively mode-locked fibre ring laser based on in-fibre acousto-optic amplitude modulation

Recent advances in the development of all-fibre amplitude modulators have led to the implementation of a series of different actively mode-locked fibre lasers [1–4]. In-fibre acousto-optic modulation based on intermodal coupling induced my a standing flexural acoustic wave permits the implementation of broad bandwidth (1.5 nm), high modulation depth (0.72), low-insertion-loss (0.75 dB) all-fibre amplitude modulators that operate in the MHz frequency range. The experimental characterization of a laser with the configuration depicted in Fig. 1 (a) as a function of the radio frequency voltage that controls the modulator (see Fig. 1 (b)), the length of the Erbium doped fibre (EDF), and the opti…

Characterization of fiber nonuniformities with ppm resolution using time-resolved in-fiber acousto-optics

Time-resolved acousto-optic interaction using flexural waves enables the characterization of fiber nonuniformities along sections of about 1-2 m. A resolution better than 10 ppm of fiber diameter and core refractive index is demonstrated.

High-speed and high-resolution interrogation of FBG sensors using wavelength-to-time mapping and Gaussian filters

In this work we report a novel intensity-based technique for simultaneous high-speed and high-resolution interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The method uses a couple of intensity Gaussian filters and the dispersion-induced wavelength-to-time mapping effect. The Bragg wavelength is retrieved by means of the amplitude comparison between the two filtered grating spectrums, which are mapped into a time-domain waveform. In this way, measurement distortions arising from residual power due to the grating sidelobes are completely avoided, and the wavelength measurement range is considerably extended with respect to the previously proposed schemes. We present the mathematical backgro…

Actively mode-locked fiber laser with an acousto-optic in-fiber superlattice modulator

All-fiber lasers permit the development of efficient, robust and compact coherent light sources. However, all-fiber active mode-locking is a challenging objective and very few all-fiber techniques have been published [1–3]. The development of a low-insertion-loss acoustically-induced superlattice modulator that works in the MHz range has demonstrated its suitability to perform active mode-locking of an all-fiber laser. While travelling extensional acoustic waves launched along a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) produce stationary side bands and a frequency shift [4,5], we found that the excitation of a standing extensional acoustic wave should produce no frequency shift, but the amplitude modulati…

Active Q-switched distributed feedback erbium-doped fiber lasers

This letter presents a distributed feedback fiber laser that operates in an actively controlled Q-switched regime. The laser is based on a Bragg grating made in an erbium-doped fiber. The grating has a defect induced by a magnetostrictive transducer that configures the distributed feedback laser structure. The phase shift generated by the defect can be dynamically modified by an electric current, permitting active Q-switching of the laser. The laser generates pulses of 75 ns duration and the repetition rate can be continuously adjusted from 0 to 10 kHz.

Variable delay line for phased-array antenna based on a chirped fiber grating

We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of the performance of phased-array antennas steered by a single chirped fiber grating. Two approaches consisting of conventional and single-sideband (SSB) modulation techniques of the optical signal are presented in order to compare their performance and suitability for beamforming applications in microwave antennas. By using a 40-cm-long chirped grating, we measure the phase and amplitude response and calculate the corresponding radiation patterns to demonstrate wide-band operation and continuous spatial scanning properties of both configurations. SSB modulation Is presented as a real alternative to the first one offering broader operation…

Acoustically Q-switched single-frequency fibre laser

Passive compensation of the thermal drift of magnetostriction based Q-switched fiber lasers

Abstract The authors propose and demonstrate a method to compensate the thermal drift of magnetostriction based Q-switched fiber lasers, which is caused by the eddy currents induced in the Terfenol-D magnetostrictive actuators. The consequent wavelength detuning between the fiber gratings of the laser is passively compensated by the use of Monel 400 as thermal actuator of the non-modulated grating. A highly stable pulsed signal is achieved in the range of 1 Hz–5 kHz, with a wavelength detuning between gratings maintained below 10 pm. Furthermore, an optimization of the use of the pump power is proposed, utilizing part of it for simultaneously pumping a fiber optic based amplification stage.

Novel in-line fiber-optic filters and polarisers

Novel in-line devices, based on a tapered fiber whose uniform waist has been metal-coated, are reported. The resonant excitation of a surface plasma mode of the metal film allows for the design of wavelength filters and polarisers

Fibre Bragg gratings tuned and chirped using magnetic fields

The authors report on the use of magnetic fields in conjunction with magnetostrictive materials for tuning and chirping optical fibre Bragg gratings. The Bragg wavelength shifts as a consequence of the strain induced in the fibre by a magnetostrictive rod when a magnetic field is applied. A tuning range of 1.1 nm has been achieved by a magnetic field of 103 mT and the grating has been chirped by applying non-uniform magnetic fields.

Fiber Characterization Using Whispering Gallery Modes(Invited)

Fiber whispering gallery modes (WGMs) are surface waves that propagate azimuthally along the outer surface of the fiber cladding. Those waves that are in phase every turn give rise to narrow resonances defined by the resonant wavelength and a high Q factor. The actual values of the resonant wavelengths depend on the radius and the refractive index of the fiber cladding, enabling the development of several fiber characterization techniques. In addition, the typical high Q factor of these resonances (Q > 106) provides the characterization techniques with a low detection limit. Here, we report the development of a technique for measuring temperature profiles along the optical fiber, which enab…

Doubly active Q switching and mode locking of an all-fiber laser

Simultaneous and independent active Q switching and active mode locking of an erbium-doped fiber laser is demonstrated using all-fiber modulation techniques. A magnetostrictive rod attached to the output fiber Bragg grating modulates the Q factor of the Fabry-Perot cavity, whereas active mode locking is achieved by amplitude modulation with a Bragg-grating-based acousto-optic device. Fully modulated Q-switched mode-locked trains of optical pulses were obtained for a wide range of pump powers and repetition rates. For a Q-switched repetition rate of 500 Hz and a pump power of 100 mW, the laser generates trains of 12-14 mode-locked pulses of about 1 ns each, within an envelope of 550 ns, an o…

Single-mode Bragg gratings in tapered few-modes and multimode fibers

We propose the implementation of fiber Bragg gratings in tapered few-mode and multimode fibers to accomplish single-mode operation by reducing the core diameter, while preserving the core-cladding structure. The gratings present a single reflection band, and the device shows low insertion losses after the taper fabrication and the fiber Bragg gratings inscription. The excitation of high-order odd modes in the core of the fiber has been identified as the main loss mechanism; it can be prevented by means of symmetric illumination of the fibers. We also demonstrate the excitation of high-order cladding modes (cladding-air modes) along the taper transitions; these modes can be removed without a…

Temperature Sensor Based on Ge-Doped Microstructured Fibers

The fundamental mode cutoff properties of Ge-doped microstructured fibers, filled with a liquid, permit the implementation of wavelength- and amplitude-encoded temperature sensors with an ultra-high sensitivity. The cutoff wavelength changes with temperature, and the thermo-optic coefficient of the liquid determines the sensitivity of the sensor. Sensitivity as high as 25 nm/∘Cis reported. In addition, simple amplitude interrogation techniques can be implemented using the same sensor heads.

Fibres Are Looking Up: Optical Fibre Transition Structures In Astrophotonics

Recent developments in the astrophotonic applications of optical fibre taper transitions are discussed. For example, transitions between single multi-mode and multiple single-mode cores can help suppress the atmospheric OH emission that hampers ground-based IR astronomy.

A magnetostrictive sensor interrogated by fiber gratings for DC-current and temperature discrimination

A magnetostrictive sensor head with temperature compensation has been developed for measurement of static magnetic fields. The device consists on two different alloys with similar thermal expansion coefficient one of which has a giant magnetostriction, the expansion of both materials produced by heat and magnetism is detected by two fiber gratings. One of the gratings measures the temperature of the sensor and the difference between the wavelengths reflected by the gratings is a measurement of the magnetically induced strain.

Fiber laser with cladding-mode feedback based on intracavity long period grating

Cladding modes in fiber laser technology have considerable interest for dispersion compensation [1] and power scaling [2, 3]. A fiber laser with core-cladding conversion was made in convectional Erbium doped fiber by a combination of Bragg and external cavity mirrors and blocking the fundamental mode with a damaged core fiber [2]. Furthermore, the insertion of two long period gratings (LPG) in a fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) Fabry-Perot cavity has been proposed as a potential high-order-mode fiber laser [3]; however, no experimental demonstration has been reported yet because there are no ring-doped fibers available in the market. In this work, we present the first demonstration of an all-fibe…

A dual-wavelength tunable laser with superimposed fiber Bragg gratings

We report a dual-wavelength tunable fiber laser. The cavity is formed by two superimposed fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and a temperature tunable high-birefringence fiber optical loop mirror (FOLM). FBGs with wavelengths of 1548.5 and 1538.5 nm were printed in the same section of a fiber using two different masks. The superimposed FBGs were placed on a mechanical mount that allows stretch or compression of the FBGs. As a result of the FBG strain both lines are shifted simultaneously. Dual-wavelength generation requires a fine adjustment of the cavity loss for both wavelengths.

Etched LPFGs in reflective configuration for sensitivity and attenuation band depth increase

A reflection configuration setup for long-period fiber gratings is presented. It permits to obtain a unique band with attenuation double than that obtained in transmission configuration, which is interesting for applications where this value is reduced (e.g., the mode transition phenomenon). The method is based on the deposition of a silver mirror at the end of the optical fiber, which permits to absorb the power transmitted through cladding modes and to avoid the generation of interferometric bands. The method also solves the requirement of a precise cleave or to polish the end of the grating, a drawback present in other publications. The versatility of the setup has been proved by applica…

Photonic microwave tunable single-bandpass filter based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer

The authors present the theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration of a novel single-bandpass tunable microwave filter. The filter is based on a broadband optical source and a fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer and shows a high Q factor over a tuning range of 5-17 GHz. A generalized analysis considering that the optical signal propagates along optical delay lines with a dispersion slope different from zero is presented.

Finely tunable laser based on a bulk silicon wafer for gas sensing applications

In this work a very simple continuously tunable laser based on an erbium ring cavity and a silicon wafer is presented. This laser can be tuned with very fine steps, which is a compulsory characteristic for gas sensing applications. Moreover the laser is free of mode hopping within a spectral range sufficiently wide to match one of the ro-vibrational lines of a target molecule. Here the proposed laser reached, at ∼1530 nm, a continuous tuning range of around 950 pm (>100 GHz) before mode hopping occurred, when a silicon wafer of 355 μm thickness was used. Additionally, the laser can be finely tuned with small tuning steps of <12 pm, achieving a resolution of 84.6 pm °C-1 and by using a therm…

Low repetition rate gain-switched double-clad thulium-doped fiber laser operating in the 2 µm wavelength region

Abstract The experimental demonstration of a gain-switched pulsed fiber laser with low repetition rate emission in the 2 µm wavelength region is presented. The laser cavity is based on the figure-9 shape, where the gain-switched operation of the laser is obtained by using a double-clad Tm-doped fiber (DCTDF) as gain medium and a commercial pulsed laser diode at 793-nm with configurable parameters as pump source. The pulse parameters of the pump source are optimized for efficient suppressing of unstable gain-switched laser oscillations. As a result, laser pulses with low repetition rate in a range from 10 to 20 kHz with laser emission at the wavelength of 1951 nm are obtained. The generated …

Highly sensitive optical hydrogen sensor using circular Pd-coated singlemode tapered fibre

A novel optical hydrogen sensor, based on the absorption change of the evanescent fields in a circular Pd-coated singlemode tapered fibre is presented. The proposed sensor is polarisation independent and its sensitivity is adjustable by means of the taper diameter, interaction length, and/or light wavelength. A simple light transmission measurement setup is used to test the sensor. The sensor is suitable for the detection of low hydrogen concentrations with high sensitivity and fast time response. Transmission changes as high as 60% are demonstrated.

Ytterbium-doped fiber laser as pulsed source of narrowband amplified spontaneous emission

AbstractWe report random noise pulsed regime of an ytterbium-doped fiber laser arranged in common Fabry-Perot configuration. We show that the laser output obeys the photon statistics inherent to narrowband amplified spontaneous emission and that the noise pulsing is properly addressed in terms of probability density and autocorrelation functions. Our novel approach reveals, in particular, that the regime’s coherence time dramatically shortens, from few ns to tens ps, with increasing laser power.

Hybrid surface plasma modes in circular metal-coated tapered fibers

The theory of hybrid surface plasma modes in metal-coated dielectric cylinders has been developed in recent years. We demonstrate that tapered fibers with a uniform waist and a circular metal coating can be designed for an efficient excitation of the fundamental hybrid surface plasma mode. Our experimental results are in good agreement with the theory and give the basis for the development of a novel type of all-fiber polarization-independent refractive-index sensor and tunable broadband wavelength filter.

Fabrication of polarizing photonic crystal fibres and photonic crystal fibre tapers: Applications

We report the fabrication of an anisotropic photonic crystal fibre with polarization properties and photonic crystal fibre tapers for supercontinuum generation. The anisotropy of the fibre was created by enlarging four airholes next to the silica core. Different polarization regimes as a function of the geometric parameters, including polarizing behaviour at 1.55 mum, were obtained. In the second part of the paper, we report the fabrication of photonic crystal fibre tapers. We present experimental results on supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibre tapers using quasi-continuous pump pulses of 7 ns duration at 532 nm and at 1064 nm.

Label-free wavelength and phase detection based SMS fiber immunosensors optimized with cladding etching

The performance of E-SMS (Etched Singlemode-Multimode-Singlemode) optical fiber structures as immunosensors has been assessed by the implementation of antibody/antigen immunoassays. Through this procedure it has been proven that E-SMS structures are effective and suitable optical platforms for label-free biosensing. Using the phase shift and tracking the wavelength response it was found that the fabricated E-SMS devices exhibited limits of detection (LOD) down up to concentrations of 0.2mg/L of antigens in solution. This was achieved by coating the E-SMS with an antibody-based biolayer (goat IgG) that is able to determine the presence of anti-goat IgG antigen. Both a wavelength detection an…

Electromagnetic Scattering by a Strip Grating with Plane-Wave Three-Dimensional Oblique Incidence by Means of Decomposition into E-Type and H-Type Modes

A numerical algorithm to analyze the plane-wave three-dimensional oblique incidence on a strip grating is presented. Electromagnetic field is decomposed into vector Floquet harmonics of the E-type and H-type modes. To impose boundary conditions on the incident, reflected and transmitted waves, two integral equations of Fredholm of first kind are obtained. These equations are solved numerically with the standard Galerkin procedure, and the convergence of the algorithm is examined numerically. Since the superficial current near the edges of a conducting strip have been taken into account, the computational algorithm shows a fast convergence. Results are compared with other numerical results a…

All polarization-maintaining passively mode-locked fiber-ring ytterbium-doped laser; from net-normal to net-anomalous dispersion

We investigated the behavior of a fiber-ring polarization-maintaining passively modelocked ytterbium-doped laser in a broad range of dispersion values; i.e., from highly net-normal to net-anomalous, with a special emphasis near the zero of chromatic dispersion. Different lengths of an ad hoc polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber were used as intracavity dispersion compensator to shift the operation of this laser from net-normal to the net-anomalous regime. The laser generated the shortest light pulses around the zero of dispersion: 6 ps / 7ps for −0.023 ps2 / 0.045 ps2 ; in both cases, pulses were not transform-limited, being theoretically possible an out-of-cavity recompression d…

Determination of the position of defects generated within a chirped fiber Bragg grating by analyzing its reflection spectrum and group delay

We determinate the position of defects generated within a chirped fiber Bragg grating by analyzing its reflection spectrum and group delay. Simulations were performed by using the T-matrix method for different defect locations.

Tapering photonic crystal fibres for supercontinuum generation with nanosecond pulses at 532nm

Experimental results on supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibre tapers using pump pulses of 7 ns duration at 532 nm are presented. Photonic crystal fibre tapers with the first wavelength of zero dispersion around 532 nm were fabricated. The generation of supercontinuum was investigated in normal and anomalous dispersion regimes. Supercontinuum spectra spanning more than 400 nm in the visible region are reported.

Tuning And Chirping Fiber Bragg Gratings By A Magnetic Field

Stable Optically Generated RF Signals from a Fibre Mode-Locked Laser

Phase stability of RF signals obtained by two-mode filtering of a fibre mode-locked laser is analyzed. Time jitter is shown to be constant with selected mode spacing, confirming the scheme capability for generating stable RF signals up to extremely-high frequency.

Electrically tunable photonic true-time-delay line

We present a new application of the acousto-optic superlattice modulation of a fiber Bragg grating based on the dynamic phase and group delay properties of this fiber-optic component. We demonstrate a tunable photonic true-time-delay line based on the group delay change of the light reflected from the grating sidebands. The delay is electrically tuned by adjusting the voltage applied to a piezoelectric transducer that generates the acoustic wave propagating along the grating. In our experiments, a true-time delay of 400 ps is continuously adjusted (300 ps within the 3 dB amplitude range of the first sideband), using a 12 cm long uniform grating.

In-Fiber Acousto-Optics for the Broadband Measurement of the UV-Induced Refractive Index Change in Photosensitive Fibers

In fiber acousto-optics has been demonstrated to be a versatile, highly sensitive technique that allows characterizing different parameters of singlemode or few-mode fibers, such as dispersion curves, radius or core refractive index, in a broadband wavelength range. The working principle of the technique relies in the fact that a variation in a parameter of the fiber leads to a shift in the optical wavelength that fulfills the acousto-optic phase matching condition. Thus, by measuring this wavelength shift it is possible to evaluate the change in the parameter under study. The technique shows a low detection limit: for example, it is as low as 10-8 for the core refractive index, in singlemo…

Fiber-Optic Aqueous Dipping Sensor Based on Coaxial-Michelson Modal Interferometers

Fiber-optic modal interferometers with a coaxial-Michelson configuration can be used to monitor aqueous solutions by simple dipping of few centimeters of a fiber tip. The fabrication of these sensors to work around 850 nm enables the use of compact, robust, and low-cost optical spectrum analyzers. The use of this type of portable sensor system to monitor sewage treatment plants is shown.

Measurement of phase and group refractive indices and dispersion of thermo-optic and strain-optic coefficients of optical fibers using weak fiber Bragg gratings

In this work we report on the measurement, with record accuracy, of the absolute modal effective refraction index (phase index) of single-mode optical fibers by using Bragg gratings. We also demonstrate a new method to measure the group index of the fibers from the grating’s Bragg wavelength. We present as well the characterization of the thermo-optic and strain-optic coefficients as a function of the wavelength; the values we have obtained are the closest to those of pristine fiber measured with gratings technology so far. The phase index is measured with a set of gratings in the wavelength ranges from 1509 to 1563 nm, and the group index is obtained from the wavelength dependence of the p…

Design of double-tapered fibers for tailoring the acousto-optic spectral response

A model to shape the spectral response of acousto-optic devices based on tapered fibers is reported. A double-tapered structure was designed in order to obtain a flat attenuation response with 34 nm bandwidth.

Fundamental-mode cutoff in liquid-filled Y-shaped microstructured fibers with Ge-doped core

We report on the cutoff characteristics of a Ge-doped Y-shaped microstructured fiber in which the holes are filled with a liquid of refractive index higher than silica but lower than the Ge-doped core. It is found that the cutoff wavelength was very sensitive to temperature variations as a result of the refractive index changes of the liquid. The basic properties of such a fiber permit the fabrication of wideband tunable short-pass filters, as well as temperature sensors with high sensitivity. A temperature sensitivity of 25 nm/degrees C is reported.

Supercontinuum generation in Ge-doped Y-shaped microstructured tapered fiber

We have investigated the generation of supercontinuum in tapered Y-shaped fibers in the nanosecond pump regime. This fiber used to fabricate the tapers has, in addition, a Ge-doped core which enhances the nonlinearity of the material and the Raman gain. The fiber was pumped at 1064 nm in the ns pump regime (0.6 ns pulses and up to 3.2 kW peak power). The taper had a uniform waist of 0.9 μm diameter and 130 mm length, and the adiabatic transitions were 110 mm long. A flat spectrum spanning from 420 nm to 1870 nm was obtained using a single tapered fiber.

Photonic fractional Fourier transformer with a single dispersive device

In this work we used the temporal analog of spatial Fresnel diffraction to design a temporal fractional Fourier transformer with a single dispersive device, in this way avoiding the use of quadratic phase modulators. We demonstrate that a single dispersive passive device inherently provides the fractional Fourier transform of an incident optical pulse. The relationships linking the fractional Fourier transform order and scaling factor with the dispersion parameters are derived. We first provide some numerical results in order to prove the validity of our proposal, using a fiber Bragg grating as the dispersive device. Next, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of this proposal by us…

Long period gratings formed in depressed cladding fibres

There has been a significant interest in long period gratings, primarily due to their applications in gain-flattened erbium doped fibre amplifiers [1]. Up till now, cladding modes supported by the glass-air interface of an optical fibre have been used in a forward mode coupling scheme involving also the guided fundamental mode of the optical fibre. Here we propose an alternative technique. In a single mode depressed cladding fibre of an appropriate design (an example is given in fig. 1), the higher order LP11 mode can be made to be a leaky mode in such a structure, i.e. it can propagate for a short length before being stripped off the high index region beyond the depressed cladding. This en…

Transmission-line model to analyze a multistage polarizer rotator

A simple transmission-line model to design a broadband system consisting of a multilayered polarization rotator that rotates the polarization plane of a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave is presented. A simulation program that permits the design of the rotator parameters was implemented, and a prototype was designed, manufactured, and tested. Comparisons between the theoretical results and measurements are given, and a good correspondence is found.

Near-IR-to-visible emission in ytterbium-doped silica fiber at in-core 488-nm pumping

We report near-IR-to-visible broadband emission in Ytterbium-doped silicate fiber (YF) at 488-nm in-core excitation. This emission is revealed to originate from Yb3+-Yb3+ pair clusters (900 – 1200-nm band), whose presence is proved by a separate study of cooperative processes in the fiber, and Yb2+ phototropic centers (600 – 900-nm band) provisionally accepted to be present in the YF.

Enhanced supercontinuum generation in the nanosecond pump regime using specialty microstructured fibers

Several alternatives have been investigated to achieve enhanced supercontinuum generation in the nanosecond pump regime using specialty silica-based microstructured optical fibers (MOFs). Among these alternatives we can point out the use of (a) MOF tapers, (b) highly Ge-doped core Y-shaped MOF and (c) Er-doped MOF. These specialty MOFs provide either an increased material nonlinear response or a rather small effective area, at the same time that the dispersion characteristics are adjusted to work at different excitation conditions. In our experiments, we have been using either a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (10 Hz repetition rate) or an Yb-doped fiber laser (2 kHz repetition rate), both emitting…

Direct Bragg grating writing in a hybrid PDMS/silica photonic crystal fiber

Infiltration of materials into the air holes of the PCFs can potentially manipulate their optical properties creating a new category of fibers termed as hybrid PCFs [1] and many devices based on hybrid PCFs have been developed [2–5]. Recently, a hybrid PCF with poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer inclusions has been demonstrated [6]. PDMS is widely used in the area of photonics and optofluidics. It is highly transparent with a refractive index ∼1.41, conserving the total internal reflection guiding mechanism of the hybrid PCF. When PDMS is irradiated with UV light its refractive index increases [7]. In this paper we present the first example of a Bragg grating directly written using UV l…

Instantaneous frequency measurement by in-fiber 0.5th order fractional differentiation

We experimentally demonstrate the possibility to retrieve the instantaneous frequency profile of a given temporal light pulse by in-fiber fractional order differentiation of 0.5th-order. The signal's temporal instantaneous frequency profile is obtained by simple dividing two temporal intensity profiles, namely the intensities of the input and output pulses of a spectrally-shifted fractional order differentiation. The results are supported by the experimental measurement of the instantaneous frequency profile of a mode-locked laser. Fil: Poveda-Wong, L.. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Carrascosa, A.. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Cuadrado Laborde, Christian Ariel. Consejo Nacion…

High-efficiency Q-switched erbium fiber laser using a Bragg grating-based modulator

Abstract In this work we analyze the behavior of an erbium-doped fiber laser which is based on a simple scheme. Excitation of the active medium is performed in the 980 nm pump band with a CW semiconductor laser source. Two fiber Bragg gratings acting as mirrors of the Fabry–Perot laser cavity were used. One of these gratings was mounted over a piezoelectric (PZT) element. By applying voltage pulses to the piezoelectric, the laser cavity was temporally modulated and Q-switched laser pulses up to 530 mW peak powers at 3 kHz were obtained. Typical laser emission of 2–3 μs temporal widths and 0.1 nm of optical bandwidth have been achieved when the system was operated at 18.5 kHz repetition rate…

Uniform fibre Bragg gratings with an embedded perturbed section for multiple applications

The interest in fibre Bragg gratings has been increased with the development of flexible fabrication techniques which are able to make gratings with any non-uniform characteristic (chirped, apodised, sampled, phase-shifted, etc.) required for an specific application [1].

Coexistence of quasi-CW and SBS-boosted selfQ-switched pulsing in ytterbium-doped fiber laser with low Q-factor cavity

We report the results of an experimental study of an ytterbium-doped fiber laser with low Q-factor cavity. We demonstrate that the laser operates in two randomly alternating sub-regimes, quasi-CW (QCW) and self-Q-switching (SQS), the latter ignited by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). We show that probability of each sub-regime depends on pump power: QCW dominates slightly above the laser threshold while SQS pulsing prevails at higher pump powers. We also discuss the featuring details of QCW sub-regime and its role in instabilities (jittering) of SBS-boosted SQS pulsing as well as the statistical properties of the latter.

In-Fiber Fractional Signal Processing: Recent Results and Applications

The implementation of mathematical operators using photonic signal processing –as for example, conventional differentiators and integrators– is particularly well suited to overcome the speed and bandwidth limitations of electronics. In the Laboratory of Fiber Optics of the University of Valencia we work on the development of in-fiber time-domain fractional operators and their applications. In the last years we have made some specific proposals to perform photonic fractional differentiation (PFD), photonic fractional integration (PFI), photonic fractional Hilbert transform (PFHT), and photonic fractional Fourier transform (PFFT), using fiber-based technologies. Recently, we have been able to…

PON Monitoring Technique Based on 2D Encoders and Wavelength-to-Time Mapping

A PON monitoring technique is demonstrated based on an OTDR-like device and FBG-encoders having a unique combination of central wavelength and reflection bandwidth. This results in more compact and cost-efficient encoders than previous proposals.

Mode-locked Yb-doped all-fiber laser based on in-fiber acoustooptic modulation

We show what we believe is the first demonstration of an ytterbium-doped strictly all-fiber active mode-locking laser. The active control of the laser is based on in-fiber amplitude modulation at 11 MHz, which is achieved by using an all-fiber acoustooptic superlattice modulator driven by standing acoustic waves. In our experiments, the laser was operated at 1091.3 nm and had two stable regimes producing either a train of mode-locked single pulses or a train of pulse pairs. Best results for the mode-locked train of single pulses were 740 ps of time width and 26 mW of average power, at a pump power of 480 mW.

High-repetition rate acoustic-induced Q-switched all-fiber laser

We report a high repetition rate actively Q switched all fiber laser. The acousto optic interaction controls the cou pling between co propagating core and cladding modes and is used to modulate the optical losses of the cavity, which permits to perform active Q-switching. Using 1.4 m of 300 ppm Er-doped fiber and a maximum pump power of 120 mW, we have obtained up to 1 W peak power pulses, with a pulse repetition rate that can be continuously varied from 1 Hz to 120 kHz and a pulse width that changes from 70 ns to 2.2 μs.

Fast Response Vibration Sensor Based on Bragg Gratings Written on Tapered Core Fibers

Bragg gratings written in tapered core fibers are used to measure mechanical vibrations with a time response better than 10 μs. The system is compact, low-cost and can be wavelength multiplexed.

Wavelength-codified fiber laser hydrogen detector

We report a scheme for an optical hydrogen detector that codifies the information in wavelength. The system is based on an erbium-doped fiber laser with two coupled cavities and a Palladium-coated tapered fiber within one of the laser cavities. The tapered fiber acts as the hydrogen-sensing element. When the sensing element is exposed to a hydrogen atmosphere, its attenuation decreases changing the cavity losses. This change leads the system to switch lasing from the wavelength of the auxiliary cavity to the characteristic wavelength of the cavity which contains the sensing element. The detection level can be shifted by adjusting the reflective elements of the cavity containing the sensing …

Measurement of the Electrostriction-Induced Refractive Index Modulation Using Long Period Fiber Gratings

We report the measurement of the refractive index modulation in optical fibers generated by electrostrictively driven acoustic waves through the change in transmission in a long period fiber grating.

Tunable microwave photonic filter based on chirped fiber gratings working with a single optical carrier at constant wavelength

This paper presents a tunable transversal filter working with a single optical carrier at constant wavelength. The filter consists of a set of chirped gratings whose time delay is tuned with respect to the emission wavelength of a fiber laser by a piezoelectric actuator; extra lengths of fiber are inserted in the filter arms in order to avoid interferences between signals reflected in different gratings. Two and three taps filters are experimentally demonstrated, the filters transfer function is electronically tuned within the free spectral range.

Actively Q-switched DFB fiber laser for Brillouin sensor applications

Q-switching of distributed feedback (DFB) fiber lasers permits to achieve high peak powers, preserving an ultra narrow linewidth [1,2]. The development of a new in-line acousto-optic modulator based on a magnetostrictive actuator, instead of a piezoelectric-based device, permits an efficient excitation of elastic pulses propagating along the optical fiber and an easy access to both emission outputs of the laser. The repetition rate can be continuously adjusted, as well as the amplitude of the elastic pulses. The interaction of these elastic pulses with a fiber Bragg grating written in an erbium-doped fiber permits an actively Q-switched operation of the DFB fiber laser [3]. The birefringenc…

Generation of supercontinuum in erbium-doped microstructured optical fibers

We present experimental results on supercontinuum (SC) generation in Er-doped microstructured optical fibers (MOF) pumped with nanosecond pulses at 1064 nm. The Er doping increases the effective nonlinear refractive index [1]. As a result, nonlinear interactions are enhanced and broad supercontinuum spectra are generated with relatively low pump power. Supercontinuum spectra generated in two fibers with the zero dispersion wavelengths (ZDW) close to the pump wavelength are presented. The first MOF is an endlessly singlemode fiber with normal dispersion at the pump wavelength, while the second fiber is a large air-filling fraction MOF with anomalous dispersion at 1064 nm.

Fabrication of long period fiber gratings of subnanometric bandwidth.

This paper reports on the fabrication of long period fiber gratings having subnanometric bandwidth in the 1500 nm spectral region. Large gratings have been photo-inscribed in a high NA fiber, the grating pitch and the order of the HE cladding mode are optimized to produce gratings with a large number of periods and preventing the coupling to TE, TM or EH modes. Resonances with a FWHM of 0.83 nm and 0.68 nm have been achieved for gratings 15 and 20 cm long respectively, the free spectral range between transmission notches is 125 nm. The polarization effects and the sensitivity of the gratings to temperature and to strain variations are presented as well. © 2015 Optical Society of America Thi…

All-Optical Tuning of WGMs in Microspheres Made of Er/Yb Codoped Optical Fiber

All-optical, pump-assisted, thermal tuning of high-Q whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonances of microspheres is demonstrated. The microspheres were made of an Er/Yb codoped single-mode silica optical fiber. The pump light absorbed by the active ions heats the microsphere, which leads to the shift of the resonances. A tuning range in excess of 2 nm in the C-band is achieved. The presence of active ions is restricted to the core of the microsphere. The WGM fields, which are confined in a region close to the surface of the microsphere, do not overlap with the dopant. Thus, high-Q resonances (>10 7 ) are achieved, as in pure silica microspheres, even at optical wavelengths within the absorptio…

Multicore optical fibres for astrophotonics

We report progress towards multimode (MM) fibre filters for suppressing the OH emission that hinders ground-based observation of the early Universe. Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) can filter these narrow spectral lines in single-mode (SM) fibres [1]. Implementing them in MM fibres well-matched to astronomical instruments requires transitions between the MM fibre and several SM fibres [2]. Such hand-crafted “photonic lanterns” require many identical FBGs to be made and spliced in place. Instead we are pursuing the idea in multicore (MC) fibres, Fig. 1(a). The FBG is written at once in all the SM cores. The fibre is jacketed with low-index glass and tapered to form the core and cladding of a MM …

An all-fiber RF modulation technique: frequency response calibration of optical detectors

Two all-fiber Mach-Zender interferometers have been designed to generate RF modulated light at 633 nm and 830 nm. The interferometers are scanned with a piezoelectric tube driven at its fundamental frequency of resonance. The actual experimental arrangement covers the frequency range 1 kHz to 1 GHz. The technique combines several interesting features such as the simplicity, the stability and reliability of all-fiber systems and the use of low-frequency electronics to control and generate the RF modulated light. >

Fabrication of chirped fiber Bragg gratings by simple combination of stretching movements

Abstract A new stretching technique to fabricate chirped fiber Bragg gratings using a nonchirped phase mask is presented. It is based on continuous stretching and continuous UV beam scanning, which ensures phase matching between periods along the grating. Simple combinations of the fiber stretching movements of a pair of piezoelectric transducers are used to avoid unwanted period blurring and wavelength shifting. A third piezoelectric transducer can be easily added to the system to provide independent apodization through phase mask dithering. Successful fabrication of apodized and nonapodized chirped fiber gratings has been performed with this technique.

Microwave phase shifter based on fibre Bragg grating

A variable delay line is presented for phased array antennas based on a fibre Bragg grating which has a uniform period and operates at constant optical wavelength. The Bragg wavelength of a localised part of the fibre grating is modified by straining the fibre, the optical carrier is reflected by the strained part of the grating and the time delay of the microwave modulating signal is determined by the position where the strain has been applied. In this initial experiment time delay variations up to 330 ps in the frequency range 1 – 14 GHz have been achieved.

Conic optical fiber probe for generation and characterization of microbubbles in liquids

Abstract A novel optical fiber probe has been developed to provide mechanical stability to microbubbles generated in fluids, the tip of the fiber is etched with hydrofluoric acid to pierce a truncated horn that fastens the microbubbles to the fiber tip and prevents misalignment or detachment caused by convection currents, vibrations or shocks in the liquid. Microbubbles are photo-thermally generated on the etched fiber and used as Fabry-Perot cavity sensor. Two methods were used to interrogate the probe: the first one, in the wavelength domain, is suitable for calibration in static or quasi static situations; the second one, in the time domain, can be used in dynamic environments. Experimen…

Wavelength shift of four-wave mixing bands in photonic crystal fibers pumped in the normal dispersion regime

The generation of correlated photon pairs plays a central role in several quantum mechanics applications, such as quantum information, and cryptography [1]. Correlated photon pairs can be generated inside an optical fiber through the parametric process of degenerated four-wave mixing (FWM) [2]. In this paper we report the results of two different experiments where wavelength shift of FWM bands in normal dispersive PCFs is investigated.

Acousto-optic Modulators Based on Flexural Acoustic Waves and its Application to Mode-locked Fiber Lasers

Acousto-optic modulators based on flexural acoustic waves and its application to implement active mode-locking in fiber lasers is reported. Optical pulses as short as 25 ps temporal width were obtained at 2.46 MHz repetition rate.

Fiber Ring Laser Operated by Dynamic Local Phase Shifting of a Chirped Grating

An ultranarrow linewidth erbium-doped fiber ring laser is presented. It is based on the filtering properties of a phase-shifted chirped fiber Bragg grating, which is inserted inside the cavity of the laser. A dynamic control of the phase shifting, which is induced by a magnetostrictive transducer, permits both tunable continuous-wave and actively Q-switched operation. The use of a chirped grating overcomes the limitations imposed by the narrow spectra of uniform gratings observed in previously reported ring lasers based on intracavity transmission filters.

Faraday effect in standard optical fibers: dispersion of the effective Verdet constant

We have measured the Faraday effect in silica standard optical fibers in the wavelength range 458-1523 nm. An effective Verdet constant Vef that exhibits a linear dependence on the square of the optical frequency ν is defined: V(ef) = (0.142 ± 0.004) × 10(-28) ν(2) rad T(-1) m(-1). We demonstrate that the negative effects of a small linear birefringence can be minimized by adjustment of the input polarization to an optimum state.

The reflection coefficient of a flared microstrip line radiating in an infinite parallel-plate waveguide

In this article the reflection coefficient of a tapered microstrip line radiating in an infinite parallel-plate conducting waveguide is calculated. The reflection coefficient at the feed line is evaluated by using the aperture admittance of the horn and the scattering matrix of the continuous taper. The theoretical behavior of the aperture admittance is shown and the reflection coefficient of a microstrip horn radiating in the parallel-plate region of a bootlace lens is measured in order to verify the model. © 1993 John Wiley & sons, Inc.

"Photonic lantern" spectral filters in multi-core fibre

Fiber Bragg gratings are written across all 120 single-mode cores of a multi-core optical Fiber. The Fiber is interfaced to multimode ports by tapering it within a depressed-index glass jacket. The result is a compact multimode "photonic lantern" filter with astrophotonic applications. The tapered structure is also an effective mode scrambler.

Experimental demonstration of fractional order differentiation using a long-period grating-based in-fiber modal interferometer

In this work we demonstrate both, experimentally and theoretically, that a long-period grating-based in-fiber modal interferometer can perform an all-optical arbitrary-order fractional differentiation. Experimentally, we fractionally differentiated to the 0.5th order a secant hyperbolic-like pulse of 23 ps time width provided by a 1039.5 nm emission wavelength modelocked fiber laser, with a chirp parameter of −30. An analytical expression relating the fractional order of differentiation n with the characteristics of the modal interferometer was also derived, with the purpose to simplify the design procedure. The proposal was corroborated also numerically. This device may find applications i…

Measurement technique for real-time and low-cost biosensing using photonic bandgap structures

We present a sensing technique based on using photonic bandgap structures where only the output power is monitored, without the need of tunable sources or spectrum analyzers, thus providing a real-time and low-cost system.

All polarization-maintaining passively modelocked ytterbium-doped fiber lasers, behavior under two different cavity configurations

Fil: Cuadrado-Laborde, Christian. Universidad de Valencia. Departamento de Física Aplicada; España Fil: Cuadrado-Laborde, Christian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto de Física Rosario; Argentina Fil: Cuadrado-Laborde, Christian. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina. Facultad de Química e Ingeniería del Rosario; Argentina Fil: Carrascosa, Antonio. Universidad de Valencia. Departamento de Física Aplicada; España Fil: Diez, Antonio. Universidad de Valencia. Departamento de Física Aplicada; España Fil: Cruz, J. L. Universidad de Valencia. Departamento de Física Aplicada; España Fil: Andrés, M. V. Universidad de Valencia. Departamento de Física Aplicada; España Abs…

Measurement of UV-induced losses and thermal effects in photosensitive fibers using whispering gallery modes

When a photosensitive (PS) fiber is exposed to UV-irradiation, a permanent refractive index change is induced in the core. As a result, according to Kramers-Kronig relations, the absorption coefficient (α) is also increased. This increment of the absorption can lead to a significant heating of the fiber when it is illuminated by a moderate optical power. Thermal effects may produce spectral changes in some fiber devices, as for example Long Period Gratings (LPGs) or Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) [1].

Efficient interrogation method of forward Brillouin scattering in optical fibers using a narrow bandwidth long-period grating

A new technique, to the best of our knowledge, for the characterization of the effective refractive index modulation in optical fibers due to transverse acoustic mode resonances excited by electrostriction is reported. The resonances excited by an optical pulse are probed by a narrow bandwidth long-period grating (LPG) inscribed in the fiber, which is interrogated by a continuous wave (CW) beam. The LPG used in this experiment has a narrow bandwidth and high sensitivity to small mode index perturbations, allowing the measurement of index variations from below 10 − 9 to 10 − 6 . Radial and torsional-radial acoustic modes were characterized up to 1.1 GHz. The linewidth of resonances was found…

Tunable narrowband fiber laser with feedback based on whispering gallery mode resonances of a cylindrical microresonator.

Narrowband filtering based on whispering gallery modes of a slightly tapered cylindrical optical microresonator was used to implement a tunable narrowband erbium-doped fiber laser. The laser can be set to emit a single longitudinal cavity mode (single frequency), although the laser cavity is a few meters long. In the single-frequency regime the laser can emit a maximum power of 0.380 mW with a linewidth <35 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 50 dB. Tunability is achieved by sliding the excitation point along the microcylinder. A tuning range of 1.16 nm is demonstrated.

Noise fiber lasers

In this paper, we present a brief review of the noise operation mode of fiber lasers. These lasers were studied recently by collaborative group that includes researchers, professors, and Ph.D. students from the Centro de Investigaciones en Optica, A.C. (Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico) and from the Universidad de Valencia (Valencia, Spain). Meanwhile, the pioneer works in this topic important for understanding the physics behind fiber lasers’ operation and for practical applications were done with the active participation of Dr. Evgeny Kuzin from the Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica, Optica y Electronica (Puebla, Mexico) and Dr. Georgina Beltrán-Pérez from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de P…

Analysis of whispering gallery modes resonators: wave propagation and energy balance models

Electromagnetic whispering gallery modes (WGM) are surface waves guided by the curvature of an interface. Microspheres, microdisks and microcylinders –as for example standard optical fibers– are high quality microresonators for the WGM. In fact, they can be regarded as compact and small ring resonators. Here, we present a comparison between wave propagation and energy balance models, stablishing the equivalence and discussing the basic characteristics of these two complementary approaches.

Hydrogen sensor based on a palladium-coated fibre-taper with improved time-response

Abstract We report an experimental study of the response of a hydrogen sensor, based on a palladium-coated tapered optical fibre, at different temperatures in the range −30 to 80 °C. We have studied the transmission, the time-response and the initial response velocity, being able to correlate these measurements with the pressure–composition isotherms of the Pd–H system and its phase transitions. Heating of the palladium layer optically with an auxiliary laser diode permits to improve the sensor's time-response at low temperatures.

Fiber Bragg gratings with various chirp profiles made in etched tapers

We have studied, both theoretically and experimentally, fibre Bragg gratings with a number of different chirp profiles. These chirp profiles can be easily achieved with a recently demonstrated technique involving a taper of desired profile being etched into the cladding of a fibre. Performances of gratings with linear, quadratic, periodically modulated and step chirp profiles are numerically analysed. The versatility of the technique is demonstrated when linearly and quadratically chirped gratings were made as examples of continuous chirp and gratings with step chirps were made as examples of discontinuously chirped structure.

All-fiber lasers actively modelocked by acousto-optic modulation

The development of all-fiber lasers is of high interest because of the intrinsic robustness, compactness and energy efficiency. In-fiber amplitude modulators based on acousto-optic modulation of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) permit the implementation of novel all-fiber actively modelocked lasers. Using either traveling or standing longitudinal acoustic waves, optical pulses between 500 and 100 mW peak powers and ∼ 700 ps temporal width were obtained at 4.1 and 9 MHz repetition rates, respectively. Implementing a simultaneous active Q-switching, we have demonstrated a doubly active Q-switching and mode-locking of two different all-fiber laser configurations. In the case of the laser based on tr…

Chromatic Dispersion Control in Mode-Locked Yb-Doped Fiber Lasers Based on a Microstructured Optical Fiber

We present an experimental study on the use of solid core microstructured optical fibers (MOF) for managing the chromatic dispersion in an Yb-doped fiber laser passively mode-locked by a saturable absorber. The performance of the laser, in terms of pulse width and repetition rate, was investigated as a function of the net cavity dispersion.

Measurement of temperature profile induced by the optical signal in fiber Bragg gratings using whispering-gallery modes.

The temperature sensitivity of whispering-gallery mode resonances of an optical fiber is exploited to measure thermal effects induced by an optical signal of moderate power along a fiber Bragg gating (FBG). The UV inscription technique used for the fabrication of FBG introduces a permanent change in the absorption coefficient of the fiber; thus, thermal effects are expected. The resonance wavelength shift of whispering-gallery modes provides information about the temperature change in the fiber, point to point. We present the experimental characterization of the thermal effects in FBG as a function of the wavelength and the power of the launched optical signal through the grating.

Long-period grating assisted fractional differentiation of highly chirped light pulses

We experimentally demonstrate the possibility to perform a fractional differentiation of arbitrary order on a given light pulse by propagation through a single long-period grating. A simple analytical expression is obtained also, relating the fractional order of differentiation with the parameters of the long-period grating. A secant hyperbolic like pulse of 23 ps time width with a chirp parameter of -30 was successfully fractionally differentiated to the 0.5th order. The proposal was corroborated experimentally and numerically. The device may find applications in real time phase recovery. Fil: Poveda Wong, L.. Universidad de Valencia; España Fil: Carrascosa, A.. Universidad de Valencia; Es…

Conical Fiber Probe for Mechanical Stabilization of Microbubbles in Liquids

We demonstrate that a cone pierced in a fiber tip can stabilize microbubles photothermally generated in liquids. Bubbles can stand and monitor pressure shocks over 3.3 bar with a sensitivity below 7 mbar.

Tunable all-optical negative multitap microwave filters based on uniform fiber Bragg gratings.

We present a novel and simple technique for obtaining transversal filters with negative coefficients by using uniform fiber Bragg gratings. We demonstrate a wide tuning range, good performance, low cost, and easy implementation of multitap filters in an all-optical passive configuration in which negative taps are obtained by use of the transmission of a broadband source through uniform Bragg gratings.

White light supercontinuum generation in a Y-shaped microstructured tapered fiber pumped at 1064 nm.

We report the generation of supercontinuum in a Ge-doped Y-shape tapered fiber pumped at 1064 nm in the ns pump regime. The taper was designed to have long taper transitions and a taper waist with a core diameter of 0.9 mum. The large air-filling fraction and diameter of the air-hole microstructure reduces the confinement loss at long wavelengths so, enabling the extension of the spectrum to longer wavelengths. Along the taper transition the zero-dispersion wavelength decreases as the diameter of the taper becomes smaller. The spectral components generated along the taper transition pump the taper waist, enhancing the generation of short wavelengths. A flat spectrum spanning from 420 nm to …

Effects of Temperature and Axial Strain on Four-Wave Mixing Parametric Frequencies in Microstructured Optical Fibers Pumped in the Normal Dispersion Regime

A study of the effect of temperature and axial strain on the parametric wavelengths produced by four-wave mixing in microstructured optical fibers is presented. Degenerate four-wave mixing was generated in the fibers by pumping at normal dispersion, near the zero-dispersion wavelength, causing the appearance of two widely-spaced four-wave mixing spectral bands. Temperature changes, and/or axial strain applied to the fiber, affects the dispersion characteristics of the fiber, which can result in the shift of the parametric wavelengths. We show that the increase of temperature causes the signal and idler wavelengths to shift linearly towards shorter and longer wavelengths, respectively. For t…

A Refractive Index Sensor Based on the Resonant Coupling to Cladding Modes in a Fiber Loop

We report an easy-to-build, compact, and low-cost optical fiber refractive index sensor. It consists of a single fiber loop whose transmission spectra exhibit a series of notches produced by the resonant coupling between the fundamental mode and the cladding modes in a uniformly bent fiber. The wavelength of the notches, distributed in a wavelength span from 1,400 to 1,700 nm, can be tuned by adjusting the diameter of the fiber loop and are sensitive to refractive index changes of the external medium. Sensitivities of 170 and 800 nm per refractive index unit for water solutions and for the refractive index interval 1.40-1.442, respectively, are demonstrated. We estimate a long range resolut…

Monitoring the Growth of a Microbubble Generated Photothermally onto an Optical Fiber by Means Fabry-Perot Interferometry.

In the present paper, we show the experimental measurement of the growth of a microbubble created on the tip of a single mode optical fiber, in which zinc nanoparticles were photodeposited on its core by using a single laser source to carry out both the generation of the microbubble by photothermal effect and the monitoring of the microbubble diameter. The photodeposition technique, as well as the formation of the microbubble, was carried out by using a single-mode pigtailed laser diode with emission at a wavelength of 658 nm. The microbubble’s growth was analyzed in the time domain by the analysis of the Fabry–Perot cavity, whose diameter was calculated with the number of interference frin…

Chirped fibre Bragg gratings for phased-array antennas

A variable delay line for phased-array antennas based on a chirped fibre Bragg grating is demonstrated. The time delay of a microwave modulating signal is modified by scanning in wavelength a chirped grating. In this initial experiment, time delay variations up to 556 ps have been achieved using a grating of 0.4 nm bandwidth and 6 cm length and modulating in the frequency range 390 MHz-5.20 GHz.

Monitoring the Etching Process in LPFGs towards Development of Highly Sensitive Sensors

Trabajo presentado en la Eurosensors 2017 Conference. París, 3–6 de septiembre de 2017. In this work, the monitoring of the etching process up to a diameter of 30 µm of two LPFG structures has been compared, one of them had initially 125 µm, whereas the second one had 80 µm. By tracking the wavelength shift of the resonance bands during the etching process it is possible to check the quality of etching process (the 80 µm fibre performs better than de 125 µm fibre), and to stop for a specific cladding mode coupling, which permits to obtain an improved sensitivity compared to the initial structure. This work was supported by the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo…

Wavelength multiplexed hydrogen sensor based on palladium-coated fibre-taper and Bragg grating

A novel configuration of a wavelength multiplexed hydrogen sensor based on a palladium-coated tapered fibre and a fibre Bragg grating is presented. This scheme allows cascading several sensors along a single fibre, which increases the capability of implementing multipoint sensor networks for volumetric detection. Moreover, in this configuration the light interacts twice with the palladium layer, thus enhancing the sensitivity of the sensor.

Accurate measurement of Poisson ratio in optical fibers based on forward-stimulated Brillouin scattering

The interaction between light and sound in optical fibers is a phenomenon that researchers have been investigated for many decades. Among all the opto-acoustic effects that occurs in optical fibers, forward-stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS) has become of great interest as sensing mechanism due to the dependence of the excited acoustic resonances on both internal parameters [1] , [2] and surroundings [3] of the optical fiber. The vibrational modes behind FSBS are transverse acoustic resonances, in particular, the radial modes R 0m and the torsional-radial modes TR 2m . Most of the experiments reported based on FSBS exploit the properties of either the radial or the torsional-radial mode…

Phase recovery by using optical fiber dispersion

We propose a simple and fast procedure to retrieve the phase profile of arbitrary light pulses. It combines a first experimental stage, followed by a one-step numerical stage. To this end, it is necessary to perform a Fresnel transform, which is obtained just by propagating the light pulses through an optical fiber. We experimentally test this proposal recovering the phase profile in the light pulses provided by a passively mode-locked laser. The proposal is then compared with a temporal variation of the Gerchberg–Saxton recursive algorithm, which is specially modified for this purpose. Fil: Cuadrado Laborde, Christian Ariel. Universidad de Valencia; España. Consejo Nacional de Investigacio…

Automatic tunable and reconfigurable fiberoptic microwave filters based on a broadband optical source sliced by uniform fiber Bragg gratings.

We demonstrate an automatic tunable transversal notch filter based on uniform fiber Bragg gratings and a broadband optical source. High tunability can be performed by stretching the fiber with the gratings written in series. Also, high sidelobe supression can be achieved by introducing tunable attenuators in a parallel configuration of the gratings.

Spectral properties of a variable period Bragg grating including a segment isolated of external deformations

In this work the behavior of a Bragg grating of variable period (usually called a linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating — CFBG) is analyzed when a small portion of it is fixed so that its properties remain unchanged, while the rest of the grating is affected by a longitudinal deformation. The system was simulated using the Transfer Matrix Method to obtain its behavior under different levels of deformation and it was observed the appearance of negative peaks in the spectral response (transmission peaks). The analysis allowed characterizing the system with different sizes of the fixed portion (defects) (0.5 to 6 mm), for a grating with 10 cm long and 3 nm spectral width.

Fully automatic simultaneous fiber grating amplitude and group delay characterization

Statistical characterization of the internal structure of noiselike pulses using a nonlinear optical loop mirror

Abstract In this work we study statistically the internal structure of noiselike pulses generated by a passively mode-locked fiber laser. For this purpose, we use a technique that allows estimating the distribution of the amplitudes of the sub-pulses in the bunch. The technique takes advantage of the fast response of the optical Kerr effect in a fiber nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM). It requires the measurement of the energy transfer characteristic of the pulses through the NOLM, and the numerical resolution of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The results yield a strongly asymmetric distribution, with a high-amplitude tail that is compatible with the existence of extreme-inte…