Widely tunable LP11 cladding-mode resonance in a twisted mechanically induced long-period fiber grating

A record tunability of 35 nm for the LP(11) cladding-mode resonance in a twisted mechanically induced long-period fiber grating using standard single-mode communication fiber is demonstrated. By forming the LP(11) resonance far away from its cut-off wavelength and modifying the grooves of the grating in the form of smooth semicircular humps, a high twist sensitivity of 8.75 nm/(rad/cm) and a controlled tunability of 35 nm is achieved. The fiber with its lacquer coating is not broken even at a severe twist rate of 5.44 rad/cm. The present design can be used as a novel variable optical selective wavelength attenuator since the bandwidth, rejection efficiency, and center wavelength can be controlled by changing the grating length, pressure over the grating, and fiber twist, respectively. Using the results, a cost-effective tunable variable optical attenuator for selective channel-blanking applications is also demonstrated. A fine tunability of 1.5 nm is achieved for a twist rate change of 0.1 rad/cm.