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Direct core structuring of microstructured optical fibers using focused ion beam milling
Optics Express
|February 3, 2016
Summary
Focused ion beam milling precisely machines optical structures into microstructured optical fiber cores. This technique enables the creation of complex devices like Fabry-Perot cavities for advanced sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) offer unique light-guiding properties.
- Direct modification of the MOF core is challenging but enables novel device integration.
- Focused ion beam (FIB) milling is a high-resolution nanofabrication technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate FIB milling for fabricating optical structures within the core of exposed-core MOFs.
- To create and optically characterize two distinct Fabry-Perot cavity designs.
- To explore the potential of FIB milling for integrated optical sensing devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized focused ion beam (FIB) milling to machine optical structures.
- Employed exposed-core microstructured optical fibers for direct core access.
- Fabricated two types of Fabry-Perot cavities: a complete core removal and a shallow slot.
- Optically characterized the fabricated cavities.
Main Results:
- Successfully machined optical structures directly into the MOF core.
- Demonstrated two distinct Fabry-Perot cavity designs with FIB milling.
- Showcased the feasibility of creating complex optical devices on-fiber.
Conclusions:
- FIB milling is a viable technique for fabricating optical devices on MOF cores.
- This method allows for precise, in-situ fabrication of sensing elements.
- Potential applications include environmental, chemical, and biological sensing.
