Low loss microstructured chalcogenide fibers for large non linear effects at 1995 nm

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics and Photonics

Background:

• Microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) are typically fabricated using the stack and draw method.
• Chalcogenide glasses present interface challenges in traditional MOF fabrication.
• Nonlinear optical properties of chalcogenide glasses are desirable for advanced photonic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an alternative fabrication method for chalcogenide preforms, overcoming interface issues.
• To create chalcogenide MOFs with enhanced nonlinear optical properties.
• To investigate Raman scattering in small-core chalcogenide MOFs.

Main Methods:

• A novel casting method was employed for chalcogenide preform preparation.
• As(38)Se(62) chalcogenide microstructured fibers were fabricated.
• Small core fibers were drawn to increase nonlinearities.
• Raman scattering experiments were conducted using a suspended core MOF pumped at 1995 nm.

Main Results:

• The casting method achieved low optical losses: ~0.4 dB/m at 1.55 µm and <0.05 dB/m in the mid-IR.
• Fabricated fibers combined the high nonlinear index of chalcogenide glasses with MOF mode control.
• Three Stokes orders were generated via Raman scattering in a suspended core MOF.

Conclusions:

• The new casting method is effective for producing low-loss chalcogenide MOFs.
• Chalcogenide MOFs offer a promising platform for enhanced nonlinear optical phenomena.
• The results demonstrate the potential for supercontinuum generation and other nonlinear applications.