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Extended continuous-wave supercontinuum generation in a low-water-loss holey fiber
J C Travers1, R E Kennedy, S V Popov
1Femtosecond Optics Group, Department of Physics, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BW, UK. john.travers@imperial.ac.uk
Optics Letters
|August 12, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed a novel photonic crystal fiber with reduced water-peak loss. This enables extended supercontinuum generation for advanced optical coherence tomography applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation is crucial for broadband light sources.
- Water-peak loss in optical fibers limits spectral range.
- Photonic crystal fibers offer unique light-guiding properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photonic crystal fiber with reduced water-peak loss.
- To achieve extended Raman-soliton supercontinuum generation.
- To create a broadband light source for optical coherence tomography.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 2.5 micrometer core photonic crystal fiber.
- Utilizing a continuous-wave ytterbium fiber laser as the pump source.
- Characterization of the fiber's loss spectrum and supercontinuum generation.
Main Results:
- Substantially reduced water-peak loss around 1.38 micrometers.
- Extended Raman-soliton supercontinuum generation up to 1.55 micrometers.
- Generation of a broadband, high-spectral-power-density, low-coherence light source.
Conclusions:
- The developed photonic crystal fiber effectively minimizes water-peak loss.
- Extended supercontinuum generation is achieved, enabling new applications.
- The light source is suitable for advanced submicrometer resolution optical coherence tomography.