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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

In-situ Tapering of Chalcogenide Fiber for Mid-infrared Supercontinuum Generation
Published on: May 27, 2013
Attenuation measurement of infrared optical fibers by use of a hollow-taper-based coupling method
I K Ilev1, R W Waynant, M A Bonaguidi
1United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, HFZ-134, Rockville, Maryland 20857, USA. ilko@eob.cdrh.fda.gov
Abstract:
An alternative method for attenuation measurement of infrared (IR) fibers is described. The method includes a simple technique for direct laser-to-fiber coupling with an uncoated glass hollow taper. The operating principle of the hollow taper is based on the grazing-incidence effect of light reflection. The hollow taper forms a smooth Gaussian-shaped profile of the output laser emission and provides the proper conditions for equilibrium-mode distribution of optical power within the test IR fibers. The experimental hollow-taper-based coupling method is used for measurement of attenuation and bending losses of various kinds of IR fiber, including solid-core (fluoride, chalcogenide, and germanium-doped) and hollow fibers.
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