Evaluation of fiber optical waveguides using brillouin spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Optical scattering loss in fiber waveguides comprises bulk material scattering and excess scattering from structural imperfections.
• Characterizing these losses is crucial for optimizing integrated optical device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the Brillouin spectroscopic technique for evaluating scattering loss in fiber waveguides.
• To investigate scattering mechanisms at the core-cladding interface of a borosilicate clad-pure fused silica core waveguide.

Main Methods:

• Application of Brillouin spectroscopy to fiber waveguides.
• Detailed investigation of a specific borosilicate clad-pure fused silica core waveguide structure.

Main Results:

• The Brillouin technique successfully evaluated scattering loss attributed to waveguide imperfections at the core-cladding interface.
• The method determined the molar composition of the borosilicate cladding glass.
• It also quantified the partition of guided optical power between the core and cladding regions.

Conclusions:

• Brillouin spectroscopy is a valuable tool for measuring scattering loss in fiber waveguides.
• The technique offers unique capabilities for characterizing integrated optical structures, including material composition and optical power distribution.