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Quasi-light Storage for Optical Data Packets
Published on: February 6, 2014
All-optical, thermo-optical path length modulation based on the vanadium-doped fibers
Ziga Matjasec1, Stanislav Campelj, Denis Donlagic
1University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Laboratory for electro-optics and sensor systems, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
Optics Express
|June 6, 2013
Summary
This study introduces an all-fiber optical modulator using a heated, vanadium-doped fiber. It achieves significant path length modulation remotely and electrically passively, ideal for fiber-optic systems.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate control of optical path length is crucial for various fiber-optic systems.
- Existing modulators may require electrical components or complex setups.
- Development of all-fiber, optically controlled modulators offers advantages in remote and passive operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an all-fiber, fully-optically controlled optical-path length modulator.
- To investigate the performance characteristics and operational principles of the proposed modulator.
- To demonstrate its potential for applications requiring remote path length modulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a high-power 980 nm pump diode to heat a section of vanadium-co-doped single-mode fiber.
- Leveraged absorption and non-radiative relaxation processes for thermal modulation.
- Experimentally characterized the path length modulation range and time response.
Main Results:
- Achieved an absolute optical length change exceeding 500 µm.
- Demonstrated a time-constant as short as 11 ms.
- Path length modulation range depends on pump power and heat transfer; time response depends on fiber diameter.
Conclusions:
- The all-fiber modulator offers electrically-passive and remote operation.
- The device shows potential for integration into fiber-optic systems needing optical path length control.
- The design is scalable and adaptable based on pump power and fiber characteristics.
