Perspective: Hollow Core Optical Fibres for Ultraviolet and Visible Wavelengths.

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Materials Science
• Photonics

Background:

• Anti-resonant hollow core fibres guide light within a hollow core, offering unique properties.
• Rapid development has led to widespread use in near and mid-infrared applications.
• Significant benefits are also achievable in the visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the fabrication challenges impeding hollow core fibre development for short wavelengths.
• To discuss potential solutions to overcome these manufacturing hurdles.
• To highlight prospective applications of these fibres in the visible and UV ranges.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on hollow core fibre fabrication.
• Analysis of common challenges in producing fibres for short-wavelength transmission.
• Exploration of proposed fabrication techniques and their feasibility.

Main Results:

• Fabrication complexity is the primary barrier to short-wavelength hollow core fibre adoption.
• Novel manufacturing approaches are being developed to address these challenges.
• Successful fabrication could unlock new applications in spectroscopy, sensing, and imaging.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming fabrication challenges is crucial for realizing the potential of hollow core fibres in the visible and UV spectrum.
• Continued research into advanced manufacturing techniques is essential.
• Hollow core fibres hold promise for diverse short-wavelength applications.