Light transport and vortex-supported wave-guiding in micro-structured optical fibres

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Wave Phenomena
• Fluid Dynamics Analogies
• Optical Fiber Technology

Background:

• Vortices in fluid dynamics often increase dissipation but can act as transport barriers.
• Photon interactions with matter can exhibit behaviors analogous to fluid dynamics.
• Micro-structured optical fibers offer unique environments for light manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of light vortex formation on energy dissipation in optical fibers.
• To explore the possibility of generating light vortices in both solid and hollow core micro-structured fibers.
• To quantify the effect of light vortices on light leakage and wave guiding efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Intensive numerical modeling using multiple independent approaches.
• Simulation of light propagation in micro-structured optical fibers (solid and hollow core).
• Analysis of energy flow and light leakage patterns in the presence of optical vortices.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the formation of light vortices on zero energy flow lines within the fiber cladding.
• Observed a significant reduction in light leakage by three orders of magnitude correlated with vortex appearance.
• Identified a strong light localization effect in negative curvature hollow core fibers based on vortex principles.

Conclusions:

• Light vortex formation in micro-structured optical fibers can drastically reduce energy dissipation and light leakage.
• This phenomenon effectively enhances wave guiding properties, offering practical advantages.
• The findings open new avenues for applications in photonics, particularly in advanced optical fiber designs.