12 - Laser processing of optical fibers: new photosensitivity findings, refractive index engineering and surface structuring

Abstract

The chapter presents a selective review on the laser processing of optical fibers, including new photosensitivity findings, refractive index engineering and surface structuring results, reported approximately during the last decade. Topics covered include the Bragg grating fabrication in standard germanosilicate and all-silica glass optical fibers using ultraviolet and infrared lasers with pulse durations from nanosecond to femtosecond, regenerated gratings and inscriptions into ‘soft’ glass fibers. The Bragg grating formation into photonic crystal and microstructured optical fibers is also discussed, while the last part of the chapter focuses onto the end-face, cladding and capillary surface structuring of optical fibers using lasers.