Analytical model for low finesse, external cavity, fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers including multiple reflections...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Interferometry
• Fiber Optics

Background:

• Fabry-Perot interferometers are crucial optical devices.
• Understanding external cavity configurations is important for device optimization.
• Low finesse regimes present unique modeling challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an analytical model for single-mode, multiply reflected, external cavity, optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers.
• To predict the behavior of these interferometers in the low finesse regime.
• To validate the model through experimental comparison.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simple geometry and the Gaussian beam approximation for the analytical model.
• Incorporated multiple reflection effects into the model.
• Constructed experimental fiber Fabry-Perot cavities using single-mode glass fibers and mirrors of varying reflectivity.
• Swept the cavity length to obtain experimental interferograms.

Main Results:

• The analytical model accurately predicts attenuation of peak-to-peak interference as the fiber-to-mirror distance approaches zero.
• The model also predicts fringe asymmetry when non-absorbing mirrors are used.
• Experimental interferograms showed good agreement with the model's predictions.

Conclusions:

• The developed analytical model provides a reliable framework for understanding external cavity optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers.
• The model's predictions regarding interference attenuation and fringe asymmetry are experimentally validated.
• This work contributes to the accurate design and analysis of fiber-optic sensing and measurement devices.