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Ultracompact fiber all-optical router using a photo-controlled microbubble
Optics Letters
|July 16, 2020
Summary
A novel fiber optic router uses a light-controlled microbubble to precisely redirect light beams. This compact device offers low loss and fast response times for photonic laboratory applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Fiber optic routers are crucial for optical communication networks.
- Existing routers often involve bulky components or electromechanical parts.
- Precise control of light beams in compact systems remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate an ultracompact fiber router.
- To utilize a photo-controlled microbubble for light beam steering.
- To explore applications in photonic laboratory on a chip (PLOC) systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a fiber microcavity containing a microbubble.
- Repositioning the microbubble using adjustable drive laser power.
- Analyzing light beam refraction at the gas-liquid interface of the microbubble.
Main Results:
- Achieved low insertion loss of 0.64 dB.
- Demonstrated a fast response time of 1.2-1.8 seconds.
- Enabled continuous beam redirection over a 56° range with 1.8 mW drive laser power.
Conclusions:
- The photo-controlled microbubble fiber router exhibits excellent controllability and low power consumption.
- The absence of electromechanical parts enhances its robustness.
- Potential applications include multiplex treatments and analysis in PLOC systems.
