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Prototype CO2 laser-induced long-period fiber grating variable optical attenuators and optical tunable filters
Mohammad I Braiwish1, Brent L Bachim, Thomas K Gaylord
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0250, USA.
Applied Optics
|April 7, 2004
Summary
Prototype long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) fabricated using CO2 lasers offer variable optical attenuation and wavelength tuning. These flexure-controlled devices demonstrate significant performance for optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics and Photonics
- Fiber Optic Sensors
- Laser Material Processing
Background:
- Long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) are crucial optical components for various applications.
- Traditional LPFG fabrication methods can be complex and limit tunability.
- CO2 laser-induced gratings offer a promising alternative for controlled LPFG manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate prototype devices based on CO2 laser-induced LPFGs.
- To achieve variable optical attenuation and wavelength tuning capabilities.
- To investigate the performance of these gratings under controlled flexure.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LPFGs using a CO2 laser.
- Implementation of a piezoceramic platform for controlled flexure.
- Characterization of grating properties including optical attenuation and wavelength tuning.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated prototype devices with variable attenuation at fixed wavelengths.
- Achieved wavelength tuning at constant attenuation.
- Reported devices with up to 13 dB optical attenuation and 7 nm wavelength tuning.
Conclusions:
- CO2 laser-induced LPFGs are suitable for creating tunable optical devices.
- Controlled flexure via piezoceramic platforms enables precise spectral control.
- These LPFG devices show potential for advanced optical filtering and sensing applications.