Open AccessLight transmission in multiple or single subwavelength trefoil channels of microstructured fibers
Author(s) -
J. M. Moison,
Alin Marian Apetrei,
Juan Ariel Levenson,
Gilles Mélin,
Ph. Pedeboseq,
A. Fleureau,
S. Lempereur,
L. Gasca
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.001193
Subject(s) - optics , optical fiber , materials science , photonic crystal fiber , microstructured optical fiber , mode field diameter , radius , diffraction , fiber , physics , graded index fiber , fiber optic sensor , computer science , computer security , composite material
We evaluate the trefoil channels present between the holes of microstructured fibers as a potential dense array of small waveguides. In channels with an inner radius of 330nm, calculations indicate possible propagation with a mode waist of ~350nm at lambda=670nm, near to the diffraction limit. Actual measurements have been performed on a 1-meter fiber section, with injection by a microlensed fiber and mapping of output by near-field scanning optical microscopy. They show that light can be output in individual channels or in several of them, depending on the injection. The observed waist is ~500nm, possibly due to experimental widening. Estimated propagation losses are <20dB/m. Since each channel occupies only 2microm2, this structure opens a way to dense parallel optical processing.