Multiple-beam reflection interferometer formed in a single-mode fiber for applications in fiber lasers

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Fiber Optics
• Interferometry

Background:

• Fabry-Perot interferometers are widely used for spectral filtering in transmission.
• Existing fiber optic interferometers often lack the narrow-band filtering capabilities of their bulk counterparts.
• Developing efficient fiber-based spectral filtering components is crucial for advanced laser systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new variant of an all-fiber multiple-beam interferometer.
• To demonstrate its capability for narrow-band spectral filtration of reflected light.
• To explore its potential application in laser cavities for frequency selection and tuning.

Main Methods:

• Interferometer design and simulation of optical parameters.
• Fabrication of an experimental fiber interferometer sample.
• Experimental characterization of the fabricated device's spectral filtering performance.

Main Results:

• The developed all-fiber interferometer exhibits narrow-band spectral filtering characteristics for reflected light.
• Experimental results closely match the theoretical calculations and simulations.
• The device demonstrates performance comparable to a transmission Fabry-Perot interferometer.

Conclusions:

• The novel reflection interferometer is a viable alternative for spectral control in fiber-based laser systems.
• It can be integrated as a laser cavity mirror for frequency selection in low-powered fiber lasers and laser diodes.
• The device facilitates single-frequency laser operation with fast, continuous wavelength tuning over a broad spectral range.