Open AccessDesign of dual-core optical fibers with NEMS functionality
Author(s) -
Nina Podoliak,
Lian Zhang,
W.H. Loh,
Péter Horák
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.001065
Subject(s) - materials science , optical fiber , cladding (metalworking) , photonic crystal fiber , optics , voltage , core (optical fiber) , electrode , polarization maintaining optical fiber , hard clad silica optical fiber , optoelectronics , fiber , plastic optical fiber , fiber optic splitter , optical switch , plastic clad silica fiber , fiber optic sensor , composite material , electrical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
An optical fiber with nano-electromechanical functionality is presented. The fiber exhibits a suspended dual-core structure that allows for control of the optical properties via nanometer-range mechanical movements. We investigate electrostatic actuation achieved by applying a voltage to specially designed electrodes integrated in the cladding. Numerical and analytical calculations are preformed to optimize the fiber and electrode design. Based on this geometry an all-fiber optical switch is investigated; we find that optical switching of light between the two cores can be achieved in a 10 cm fiber with an operating voltage of 35 V.