Light transmission in multiple or single subwavelength trefoil channels of microstructured fibers

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. Actua...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 1193 - 1201
Main Authors: Moison, J M, Apetrei, A M, Levenson, J A, Melin, G, Pedeboseq, Ph, Fleureau, A, Lempereur, S, Gasca, L
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 21-02-2005
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Summary: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.
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ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OPEX.13.001193