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In-situ Tapering of Chalcogenide Fiber for Mid-infrared Supercontinuum Generation
Published on: May 27, 2013
Octave-spanning infrared supercontinuum generation in robust chalcogenide nanotapers using picosecond pulses
Soroush Shabahang1, Michael P Marquez, Guangming Tao
1CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA.
Optics Letters
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Researchers created a broadband infrared supercontinuum using a novel chalcogenide glass nanotaper. This compact device generates a wide spectrum for advanced optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Supercontinuum generation is crucial for various optical applications.
- Chalcogenide glasses offer unique nonlinear optical properties.
- Nanotapers provide strong light confinement for enhanced nonlinear effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate octave-spanning supercontinuum generation.
- To develop a robust and compact supercontinuum source.
- To utilize chalcogenide glass in a nanotaper format for enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite chalcogenide glass nanotaper with a polymer jacket.
- Pumping the nanotaper with a picosecond laser at 1.55 μm.
- Characterization of the generated supercontinuum spectrum.
Main Results:
- Achieved supercontinuum generation spanning from 850 nm to 2.35 μm (over an octave bandwidth).
- The output was produced in a single spatial mode.
- The composite nanotaper demonstrated mechanical stability.
Conclusions:
- The developed chalcogenide glass nanotaper is a promising platform for broadband supercontinuum generation.
- The compact and robust design facilitates practical applications.
- Single spatial mode output is beneficial for downstream processing.
