Silica Optical Fibers Research Articles

Ultra‐Broadband Emission in Bi/Ge Co‐Doped Silica Glass and Fiber via Bismuth Coordination Engineering

AbstractBismuth (Bi) and Germanium (Ge) co‐doped silica glass and fiber, as advanced gain media with broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission and amplification, have promise for extending communication bandwidth. However, efficiently modulating the NIR emissions of bismuth to cover the C+L communication bands remain a significant challenge. In the study, a high‐temperature and high‐pressure reduction treatment on Bi/Ge co‐doped silica glass is employed to tailor the coordination environment around bismuth active center. This method facilitated the creation of new bismuth NIR luminescence centers, resulting in the luminescence spectrum with a peak position at 1550 nm and a FWHM exceeding 350 nm. The changes in the bismuth coordination environment are elucidated using HRTEM, photoluminescence decay, temperature‐dependent emission, EXAFS and CW‐EPR. Furthermore, the feasibility of this method in Bi/Ge co‐doped silica fiber is validated, and obtained >5 dB amplification in the range of 1400–1700 nm. This coordination engineering method holds significant potential for widespread application in Bi/Ge co‐doped silica glass and optical fiber is believed. It presents a promising prospect for expanding communication bandwidth by effectively modulating the NIR emissions of bismuth to cover the S to U communication band.

High-temperature resistant boron nitride-based coatings for specialty silica optical fibers

h-BN is well known for its thermal stability. h-BN coated silica optical fibers were manufactured. The coating solution is compatible with optical fiber drawing process, which allows the preparation of tens of meter of h-BN coated fibers. In addition, it is possible to use this coating material for the preparation of short length fiber samples in a post-production approach. Bentonite acts as a binder and allows the adhesion of h-BN to the silica optical fiber. The thermal stability of this protected optical fiber has been demonstrated over a short period of time (several hours) up to 900 °C and over a long period of time (1500 h) up to 800 °C in air. Moreover, the coated optical fiber can resist up to 1000 °C in neutral atmosphere (tested over 6 h).

Dopant, coating, and grating effects in silica optical fibers under extreme neutron irradiation

Radiation effects on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have been studied but data gaps related to the effects of displacement damage resulting from high fast neutron fluence remain. In this work, Type-I and Type-II FBGs inscribed in optical fibers with various core dopants (Ge and F) and fiber coatings (acrylate, polyimide) were monitored in situ during 75 days of neutron irradiation to a peak fast (>0.1 MeV) neutron fluence of 3×1021 nfast/cm2. The reflected intensity of the Type-I FBGs inscribed in a Ge-doped core fiber decreased by >30 dB within 7 h of irradiation (1019 nfast/cm2), whereas Type-II FBGs inscribed in a pure silica core fiber eventually approached >40 dB attenuation after accumulating a fast neutron fluence on the order of 1020 nfast/cm2. Type-II FBGs inscribed in F-doped core fiber improved stability: the attenuation approached an equilibrium value in the range of 10 to 20 dB.

A Hermetic Package Technique for Multi-Functional Fiber Sensors through Pressure Boundary of Energy Systems Based on Glass Sealants

This paper presents a hermitic fiber sensor packaging technique that enables fiber sensors to be embedded in energy systems for performing multi-parameter measurements in high-temperature and strong radiation environments. A high-temperature, stable Intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer (IFPI) array, inscribed by a femtosecond laser direct writing scheme, is used to measure both temperature and pressure induced strain changes. To address the large disparity in thermo-expansion coefficients (TECs) between silica fibers and metal parts, glass sealants with TEC between silica optical fibers and metals were used to hermetically seal optical fiber sensors inside stainless steel metal tubes. The hermetically sealed package is validated for helium leakages between 1 MPa and 10 MPa using a helium leak detector. An IFPI sensor embedded in glass sealant was used to measure pressure. The paper demonstrates an effective technique to deploy fiber sensors to perform multi-parameter measurements in a wide range of energy systems that utilize high temperatures and strong radiation environments to achieve efficient energy production.

Impact of Yb2+ on the anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling performance of Yb-doped silica fibers

To unlock the full potential of laser-cooled silica optical fibers, a better understanding of the internal mechanisms of heat generation is required. This work explores ytterbium-doped aluminosilicate fibers produced via industry-standard modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) techniques with varied levels of divalent ytterbium to determine their effect on anti-Stokes fluorescence thermal performance. The inclusion of Yb2+ is shown to have a significant negative impact on cooling potential. Yb2+ ions are shown to correlate with heat generation by two distinct mechanisms, absorption and quenching of active Yb3+ ions. This excess heating represents a reduction in quantum efficiency that is detrimental to Yb-doped fiber lasers and amplifiers beyond the laser-cooling application.

H 2-solutions for an Ostrosky–Hunter type equation

The Ostrosky–Hunter equation provides a model for small-amplitude long waves in a rotating fluid of finite depth, for the evolution of nonlinear propagation of optical pulses of a few oscillations duration in dielectric media, and for the evolution of the propagation of ultra-short light pulses in silica optical fibers. In this paper, we prove the well-posedness of the classical solutions for the Cauchy problem, associated with this equation.

Ultra-precise, sub-picometer tunable free spectral range in a parabolic microresonator induced by optical fiber bending.

Surface nanoscale axial photonic (SNAP) microresonators are fabricated on silica optical fibers, leveraging silica's outstanding material and mechanical properties. These properties allow for precise control over the microresonators' dimension, shape, and mode structure, a key feature for reconfigurable photonic circuits. Such circuits find applications in high-speed communications, optical computing, and optical frequency combs (OFCs). However, consistently producing SNAP microresonators with equally spaced eigenmodes has remained challenging. In this study, we introduce a method to induce a SNAP microresonator with a parabolic profile. We accomplish this by bending a silica optical fiber in a controlled manner using two linear stages. This approach achieves a uniform free spectral range (FSR) as narrow as 1 pm across more than 45 modes. We further demonstrate that the FSR of the SNAP microresonator can be continuously adjusted over a range nearly as wide as one FSR itself, specifically from 1.09 to 1.72 pm, with a precision of ±0.01 pm and high repeatability. Given its compact size and tuning capability, this SNAP microresonator is highly promising for various applications, including the generation of tunable low-repetition-rate OFC and delay lines.

Dynamical properties of Schäfer–Wayne equation for propagation of short pulses in silica optical fibers

Dynamical properties of Schäfer–Wayne equation for propagation of short pulses in silica optical fibers

An insight into the magneto-refractive effects of terbium-doped silica optical fibers used in magnetic field sensors

In this study, the magneto-refractive effect (MRE) of a terbium-doped fiber (TDF) that can be employed for magnetic field sensing was investigated. A microscopic model of a terbium doped magneto-refractive silica fiber was proposed, and the relationship between the refractive index (RI) of the fiber and its magnetic field was numerically studied. The MRE of the TDF was then characterized using an electronic holographic magneto-refractive measuring system. The characterization results showed that the RI of the TDF increased linearly at a rate of 2.13 × 10−5 RIU/mT as the magnetic field intensity increased from 0 to 10 mT. An all-solid-state magneto-refractive measurement system based on a fiber-optic Sagnac interferometer was designed for magnetic field sensing, which linearly responded to the applied magnetic field. The relationship between the dielectric tensor and magnetic moment of the fiber was analyzed. Based on the finite difference algorithm, the change in the RI and dielectric tensor of the optical fiber under a magnetic field was simulated. Results indicated that the proposed fiber has potential use in high-sensitive magnetic field sensing applications.

Soluble Fluorinated Cardo Copolyimide as an Effective Additive to Photopolymerizable Compositions Based on Di(meth)acrylates: Application for Highly Thermostable Primary Protective Coating of Silica Optical Fiber.

The development of photocurable compositions is in high demand for the manufacture of functional materials for electronics, optics, medicine, energy, etc. The properties of the final photo-cured material are primarily determined by the initial mixture, which needs to be tuned for each application. In this study we propose to use simple systems based on di(meth)acrylate, polyimide and photoinitiator for the preparation of new photo-curable compositions. It was established that a fluorinated cardo copolyimide (FCPI) based on 2,2-bis-(3,4-dicarboxydiphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride, 9,9-bis-(4-aminophenyl)fluorene and 2,2-bis-(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane (1.00:0.75:0.25 mol) has excellent solubility in di(met)acrylates. This made it possible to prepare solutions of FCPI in such monomers, to study the effect of FCPI on the kinetics of their photopolymerization in situ and the properties of the resulting polymers. According to the obtained data, the solutions of FCPI (23 wt.%) in 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA) and FCPI (15 wt.%) in tetraethylene glycol diacrylate were tested for the formation of the primary protective coatings of the silica optical fibers. It was found that the new coating of poly(BDDA-FCPI23%) can withstand prolonged annealing at 200 °C (72 h), which is comparable or superior to the known most thermally stable photo-curable coatings. The proposed approach can be applied to obtain other functional materials.

Phenomena observed in electron EBRT using a pulse-by-pulse radioluminescence dosimetry system with cloud-based analytics

The pulse-by-pulse characteristics of electron beams from a clinical linear accelerator (linac) at high dose rates are crucial for ensuring precise dose delivery in radiation therapy. In this research, we employ a radioluminescence scintillator made from Ge-doped silica optical fiber to analyse electron beams at standard therapy dose rates 600 cGy/min with energy of 15 MeV. The scintillator is combined with a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a photon-counting setup to achieve microsecond (μs) gating times, providing high temporal resolution. For sub-microsecond (sub-μs) temporal resolution, we utilize a multi-pixel photon counter and a rapid digital oscilloscope. Our study examines the peak time and the time it takes for pulses to return to baseline, uncovering the effects of afterglow at elevated dose rates and its potential implications for dosimetry precision. Our results indicate that monitor chambers, which have lower temporal resolution than the radioluminescence system outlined in this study, may struggle to accurately track high-rate dose delivery, emphasizing the necessity for advanced monitoring methods in FLASH radiotherapy. The dosimetric data was further analysed for deeper analytics on a cloud-based system. The dosimetric data underwent advanced analysis on a cloud-based platform, employing a prototype analytics software system comprised of Dosi-Client and Dosi-Cloud Backend components for real-time data acquisition and processing. This innovative approach revealed significant insights into radiation dosimetry, including the detection of anomalies through a reconstruction convolutional autoencoder, enhancing the precision and reliability of dosimetric measurements.

Mechanically induced long period gratings in different silica multi-layered optical fibers

This work presents a thorough comparative investigation of mechanically induced long period gratings (MILPGs) realized in different unconventional multi-layered silica optical fibers: two double cladding fibers (DCF), with progressively three layered (PTL) and W-type structures, and a solid core photonic crystal fiber (PCF). A periodic interdigitated grooved structure, based on the stereo-lithography 3D printing technique, is developed for the grating formation in these fibers with simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Multiple grating periods are developed in the range 480–660 μm, resulting in attenuation bands with depth within 15–25 dB and wide range of tunability over the wavelength range of 1100–1700 nm. The results demonstrate effective management of transmission spectra evolution as a function of the applied weight, with minimal alteration in wavelength position when testing the fiber with or without its coating. Polarization dependent properties of these gratings are also investigated demonstrating a negligible impact. This is the first time that such a broad investigation is conducted about MILPGs in the fibers mentioned earlier with broad scouting in fabrication parameters, opening to the application of such devices for sensing and communication purposes.

Delivery of nanosecond laser pulses by multi-mode anti-resonant hollow core fiber at 1 µm wavelength

In this paper we explore the application of low-loss multimode anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (MM-AR-HCF) in the delivery of nanosecond laser pulses at 1 µm wavelength. MM-AR-HCF with large core offers a rich content of low-loss higher-order modes which plays a key role in the efficient coupling and transmission of high-power laser of low beam quality. In the experiment, laser pulses of an average pulse energy of 21.8 mJ with 14.6 ns pulse width (corresponding a peak power of 1.49 MW) are transmitted through MM-AR-HCF of 9.8 m length without damage. 85% transmission efficiency is achieved where the incident laser beam suffers a low beam quality with M2x and M2y of 2.18 and 1.99 respectively. Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of MM-AR-HCF was measured to be 22.6 mJ for 85% transmission efficiency, which is 7 times higher than that for a multimode silica optical fiber with a large core of 200 µm.

Distributed magnetic field sensor using nickel-acrylate composite coated silica optical fiber

This paper reports on the development and characterization of a distributed magnetic field sensor utilizing magnetostrictive material and the Rayleigh backscattered signal in optical fiber. The sensor consists of a single-mode fiber (SMF) coated with nickel-acrylate (Ni-Acryl) composite, fabricated using the conventional fiber drawing method. The surface morphology and the coating thickness of the Ni-Acryl were analysed using SEM. The sensor is capable of measuring variations in the strain of the fiber as the external magnetic field strength changes, with a spatial resolution of 20 cm. The experimental results revealed a linear relationship between magnetic field strength and Rayleigh frequency shift, with an average sensitivity of 22.85 MHz/mT. The magnetostrictive strain of the Ni-Acryl composite coated fiber is measured to be 36.4 με in response to the 245 mT applied magnetic field. This study highlights the potential of the developed sensor to be utilized in magnetic field sensing applications, particularly for remote sensing applications in a harsh environment.

Zeolite A Thin Film Growth on Silica Optical Fibers

Thin films of zeolite A (Linde type A, LTA) were fabricated on silica optical fibers using dip coating method, followed by a secondary growth process. Zeolite A seed crystals with an average crystal size of 247.3 nm were synthesized through hydrothermal method. Then, the dip coating technique was applied to coat silica optical fibers. The one and two-time dip coating resulted in island-like growth, while three-time dip coating process led to the intergrowth of seed crystals, resulting in nearly continuous films on the optical fiber. The seed crystals, initially deposited as a monolayer, were grown by secondary growth method, leading to film thicknesses of 255.3 nm ± 10.1 nm (average ± standard deviation). Upon extending the secondary growth reaction time from 2 hours to 4 hours, the film thickness increased from 255.3 nm ± 10.1 nm to 649.6 nm ± 28.1 nm. Epitaxial growth was identified as the mechanism through which the seed crystals grow. The nanoporous zeolite A films formed on the optical fiber exhibit potential applications as gas sensors. These sensors function by detecting changes in optical reflection caused by the differential adsorption of gases.

Heat treatment and fiber drawing effect on the matrix structure and fluorescence lifetime of Er- and Tm-doped silica optical fibers

We investigate the influence of the optical fiber fabrication process on the fluorescence lifetime of Er3+ and Tm3+ ions. Optical fiber preforms were prepared using the MCVD method combined with Al2O3 nanoparticle doping. The preforms were subjected to various fabrication processes, such as preform elongation, fiber drawing, and heat treatment. The matrix structure of the preforms and fibers was studied by XRD and TEM. The fluorescence lifetime was measured. The fabrication processes caused the dissolution of the doped Al2O3 nanoparticles and a significant decrease of fluorescence lifetime of Tm3+ ions, from 875 µs in the preform down to 610 µs in the fiber, whereas no significant effect was observed for Er3+ ions, with fluorescence lifetime in the 9.6–10.2 ms range.

Experimental study on γ ray radiation effect of silica optical fiber near infrared band

Experimental study on γ ray radiation effect of silica optical fiber near infrared band

Distributed measurement of supercontinuum generation along a silica fiber taper using a confocal spectrometer

A highly sensitive distributed measurement technique is employed to map supercontinuum generation along a tapered silica optical fiber. This technique, which utilizes a confocal Raman micro-spectrometer, relies on analyzing far-field frequency-resolved Rayleigh scattering along the waveguide with micrometer-scale spatial resolution and high spectral resolution. Non-destructive and non-invasive, the mapping system enables observation of every stage of supercontinuum generation along the fiber cone, including cascade Raman scattering, four-wave mixing, and dispersive wave generation. Consequently, it unveils unique nonlinear spatial dynamics that are beyond the reach of standard spectral analyzers.

Towards Yb-doped silica optical fibers with improved photodensification threshold

Towards Yb-doped silica optical fibers with improved photodensification threshold

3D printing specialty multi-function twin core Bi/Er co-doped silica optical fibres for ultra-broadband polarized near infrared emission and sensing applications

3D printing specialty multi-function twin core Bi/Er co-doped silica optical fibres for ultra-broadband polarized near infrared emission and sensing applications