3D printed long period gratings for optical fibers

We demonstrate a simple technique for implementing long period grating (LPG) structures by the use of a 3D printer. This Letter shows a way of manipulating the mode coupling within an optical fiber by applying stress through an external 3D printed periodic structure. Different LPG lengths and period...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inOptics letters Vol. 41; no. 8; p. 1865
Main Authors Iezzi, Victor Lambin, Boisvert, Jean-Sébastien, Loranger, Sébastien, Kashyap, Raman
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 15.04.2016
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Summary:We demonstrate a simple technique for implementing long period grating (LPG) structures by the use of a 3D printer. This Letter shows a way of manipulating the mode coupling within an optical fiber by applying stress through an external 3D printed periodic structure. Different LPG lengths and periods have been studied, as well as the effect of the applied stress on the coupling efficiency from the fundamental mode to cladding modes. The technique is very simple, highly flexible, affordable, and easy to implement without the need of altering the optical fiber. This Letter is part of a growing line of interest in the use of 3D printers for optical applications.
ISSN:1539-4794
DOI:10.1364/OL.41.001865