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Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation
Published on: February 25, 2017
Photoscattering effect in supercontinuum-generating photonic crystal fiber
1Biophotonics Imaging Laboratory, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Applied Physics Letters
|February 26, 2011
Summary
A novel photosensitivity, termed photoscattering, was observed in supercontinuum-generating photonic crystal fibers. This effect creates a waveguide that scatters light, offering potential for new photonic devices.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Materials Science
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) is crucial for various applications.
- Standard fiber grating inscription relies on a specific photosensitivity mechanism.
- Understanding light-matter interactions in PCFs under intense pulsed laser conditions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an unknown photosensitivity phenomenon in PCFs exposed to intense femtosecond pulses.
- To characterize the nature and origin of this newly observed photosensitivity.
- To explore potential applications and limitations of this effect in photonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Transmission of intense 818 nm femtosecond pulses through a supercontinuum-generating PCF.
- Observation and characterization of light scattering and waveguide formation at the fiber entrance.
- Correlation of the observed effect with known photosensitivity mechanisms in silica glass.
Main Results:
- A distinct photosensitivity, different from that for fiber gratings, was identified.
- This photosensitivity progressively forms a waveguide at the fiber entrance.
- The waveguide scatters light at specific wavelengths, a phenomenon termed 'photoscatting effect'.
- The effect is linked to ~800 nm photosensitivity observed in bulk silica microlithography.
Conclusions:
- The photoscattering effect presents a limitation for some supercontinuum applications in PCFs.
- This effect can be harnessed for the development of novel photonic devices.
- Further research into controlling and utilizing photoscattering is warranted.
