A novel photonic crystal fiber with near-circular mode field distribution for the application of fiber optic gyroscope

In this letter, we reported on a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) with near-circular mode field distribution. The modal field distribution of the proposed PM-PCF is near-circular, which enhanced the mode field compatibility between PM-PCFs and traditional polarization-maintaining fibers (PMFs). And the birefringence of the novel PM-PCF can easily achieve the order of 10⁻³–10⁻², which is at least 1–2 order of magnitude higher than that of commonly used Panda or Bow-tie PMFs. Additionally, the diameter of this PM-PCF is much smaller than traditional PM-PCFs. It can well satisfy the application of fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) which need high polarization-maintaining, high-precision and miniaturization.     

Temperature dependence of birefringence in olarization-maintaining photonic crystal fibres

In this paper,the temperature dependence of birefringence in polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibres(PMPCFs) is investigated theoretically and experimentally.Utilizing the structural parameters of the PM-PCF samples in the experiment,two effects leading to the birefringence variation under different temperatures are analysed,which are the thermal expansion of silica material and the refractive index variation due to the temperature variation.The actual birefringence variation of the PM-PCF is the combination of the two effects,which is in the order of 10-9 K-1 for both fibre samples.Calculation results also show that the influence of refractive index variation is the dominant contribution,which determines the tendency of the fibre birefringence variation with varying temperature.Then,the birefringence beat lengths of the two fibre samples are measured under the temperature,which varies from -40℃ to 80℃.A traditional PANDA-type polarization maintaining fibre(PMF) is also measured in the same way for comparison.The experimental results indicate that the birefringence variation of the PM-PCF due to temperature variation is far smaller than that of the traditional PMF,which agrees with the theoretical analysis.The ultra-low temperature dependence of the birefringence in the PM-PCF has great potential applications in temperature-insensitive fibre interferometers,fibre sensors,and fibre gyroscopes.     

Analysis of bias thermal stability of interferometer fiber-optic gyroscope using a solid-core polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber

Bias thermal stability of a fiber-optic gyroscope using polarization-maintaining photonic crystal (PM-PCF) was studied. The thermal sensitivity of birefringence in PM-PCF and polarization cross talking in fiber coil was measured. Using an OCDP method, the polarization cross talking causing phase error of the fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) was analyzed. The contrast experiment result of the FOGs with the PM-PCF coil and PMF coil showed that using PM-PCF instead of PMF can improve the FOG’s bias thermal stability by about 50 %.     

Temperature dependence of the PER in PM-PCF coil

A piece of domestic polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF, 964 m in length) is made into a fiber coil, and its polarization extinction ratio (PER) is measured in a temperature range of -45- 80 C before and after PM-PCF is wound and solidified. A fiber coil made of commercial panda PM fiber (PMF) is also fabricated and measured for comparison. Our experiments show that the PER variation of the PM-PCF coil (2.25 dB) is far smaller than that of the panda PMF coil (10 dB) in the whole temperature range because PM-PCF is intrinsically insensitive to the temperature variation and stress in the fiber coil induced by the winding and solidification process. This characteristic is important for the real application of PM-PCFs in temperature-insensitive fiber interferometers, fiber sensors, and optical fiber gyroscopes.     

Large inverse relaxation of photoinduced birefringence in an azobenzene-containing ionic self-assembly complex

Photoinduced anisotropy and polarization holographic recording were investigated in an azobenzene-containing ionic self-assembly complex. The complex film was found to possess large photoinduced dichroism (D～0.36) and photoinduced birefringence (Δn～10^?2). A noteworthy observation was that the photoinduced birefringence did not show any decay, but strongly increased after switching off the pump light at room temperature. The diffracted signals of the polarization holographic gratings, written by two orthogonally linear and circular polarized beams respectively, exhibited similar inverse relaxation behavior as the photoinduced birefringence after switching off the writing lights. A discussion about the mechanism accounting for the abnormal relaxation process of photoinduced birefringence is presented.     

Photoinduced anisotropy in an azo-containing ionic liquid-crystalline polymer

Photoinduced anisotropy in an azobenzene ionic liquid-crystalline polymer was investigated through dichroism, birefringence and polarization holography. A dichroism degree of 1.58 and a birefringence value Δn ∼ 10⁻² were achieved in the polymer film at room temperature, and the polymer film was found to possess the characteristics of reversible and long-term optical storage. Particularly the stored birefringence could be enhanced to Δn ∼ 10⁻¹ by annealing the film, and it is attributed to the thermal self-organization of the molecules. Furthermore, linear- and circular-polarization holographic recordings were accomplished in the polymer film and pure polarization gratings were produced.     

Polarization properties of rectangular lattice photonic crystal fiber

In this paper, polarization properties and propagation characteristics of rectangular lattice photonic crystal fibers with elliptical air-holes are investigated by using the full-vector finite element method with anisotropic perfectly matched layers. Numerical results show that the birefringence of the fiber is induced by asymmetries of the cladding. Moreover, by adjusting its structure parameters, such as the hole pitch Λ, and the air-hole elliptical rate η, we find the optimized design parameters of the fiber with high birefringence (the order of 10⁻²) and limited polarization mode dispersion, operating in a single mode region at an appropriate wavelength range.     

Equilateral pentagon polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibre with low nonlinearity

A new pentagon polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibre with low nonlinearity is introduced. The full vector finite element method was used to investigate the distribution and the effective area of modal field, the nonlinear properties, the effective indices of two orthogonal polarization modes and the birefringence of the new PM-PCF effectively. It is found that the birefringence of the new polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibre can easily achieve the order of 10^-4, and it can obtain higher birefringence, larger effectively mode-field area and lower nonlinearity than traditional hexagonal polarization maintaining photonic crystal fibre with the same hole pitch, same hole diameter, and same ring number. It is important for sensing and communication applications, especially has potential application for fibre optical gyroscope.     

Polarization-dependent two-color dispersion wave generation and evolution in polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber

We investigate the effect of the polarization state of the input pulses on the visible emissions in the anomalous dispersion region of polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF), by using ～100 fs pump pulses whose central wavelength (1064 nm) is close to the second zero dispersion wavelength (1100 nm) of the fiber, where the soliton fission mechanisms play an important role. The experimental results show that the phase-matching two-color dispersive wave emission, one at 582 nm and the other at 600 nm, is polarization-dependent and frequency shift results from the different dispersion characteristics along the two orthogonal principal axes of PM-PCF. Furthermore, it is observed for the first time that the variation of the linear input polarization angles in 45° region almost has no influence on the output spectral profiles, and the break variation of the output spectrum exists when the angle between the polarization of the linear incident pulse and the fast-axis or the slow-axis of PM-PCF is 45°, which are attributed to the coupling between the two polarization modes in high birefringent PM-PCF.     

Reflectometric measurements of polarization properties in optical-fiber links

Polarization sensitive reflectometric techniques can be effectively used to perform spatially resolved measurements of polarization properties of fiber optic link — such as birefringence, polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss. In particular, this contribution is focused on polarization sensitive OTDR and provides a survey of its theory and main applications. Special emphasis is given to the characterization of fiber birefringence, that allows to inspect the fiber while cabled and, consequently, to test and improve the cabling process. In addition, the analysis of the birefringence also allows to define reliable mathematical models, which are essential for the design of low polarization mode dispersion fibers. Reflectometric measurements of polarization mode dispersion and polarization dependent loss are also discussed.     

Anti-Stokes Frequency Shift and Evolution in Polarization-Maintaining Photonic Crystal Fiber with Two-Zero Dispersion Wavelengths

Using the tunable pump pulses with about lOO fs pulse duration and 1064 nm central wavelength; the polarization-, wavelength- and power-dependent anti-Stokes lines are generated and modulated simultaneously in a polarization-maintaining photonie crystal fiber （PM-PCF） with two zero-dispersion wavelengths. By accurately controlling the polarization directions, the wavelength and the power of the pump pulse in the fiber anomalous region close to the second zero-dispersion wavelength of the PM-PCF, the output anti-Stokes pulse spectra can be tuned between 563 nm and 603 nm, which is in good agreement with the theoretical simulation. The color conversion of the mode image from yellow to orange is also observed with the different polarization pump pulses. These results can be attributed to the combined interaction between the fiber birefringence （including linear- and nonlinear- birefringence） and dispersion, and are attributed to phase-matching parametric four-wave mixing.     

新型矩形点阵光子晶体光纤的高双折射负色散效应

设计了一种新型矩形点阵光子晶体光纤,该光纤纤芯缺失一根空气柱,包层沿光纤长度方向在普通矩形点阵光子晶体光纤中每两列之间隔一行插入一列空气孔而形成正方形网孔结构.采用全矢量有限元法并结合各向异性完美匹配边界条件,对该光纤的色散、双折射和约束损耗进行了数值模拟.结果发现,该光纤具有高双折射负色散效应和较强的模约束能力,约束损耗小于10-2dB·m-1,通过改变光纤结构参数(即空气孔间隔Λ和相对孔间隔d/Λ),可以调节该光纤高双折射负色散工作波长.若调整光纤结构参数Λ=2.0μm,d/Λ=0.4,该光纤在C波段(1.53—1.565μm)呈现负色散并具有负色散斜率,双折射高达10-2,非线性系数接近55km-1W-1.该光纤将在保偏光通信、色散补偿以及基于四波混频的波长转换器设计等方面具有重要的应用.     

Temperature-insensitive strain measurement using a birefringent interferometer based on a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber

We propose a novel and simple scheme for a temperature-insensitive strain measurement by using a birefringent interferometer configured by a polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF). The wavelength-dependent periodic transmission in a birefringent interferometer can be achieved by using a PM-PCF between two linear polarizers. Since the PM-PCF is composed of a single material, such as silica, the peak wavelength shift with temperature variation can be negligible because of the small amount of the birefringence change of the PM-PCF with temperature change. The measured temperature sensitivity is −0.3 pm/°C. However, the peak wavelength can be changed by strain because the peak wavelength shift is directly proportion to strain change. The strain sensitivity is measured to be 1.3 pm/με in a strain range from 0 to 1600 με. The measurement resolution of the strain is estimated to be 2.1 με. The proposed scheme has advantages of simple structure and low loss without a Sagnac loop, temperature insensitivity, ease installation, and short length of a sensing probe compared with a conventional PMF-based Sagnac loop interferometer.     

Thermal and optical properties of femtosecond-laser-structured PMMA

Thermal diffusivity of laser micro- and nano-structured regions in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was measured by the temperature wave method with a lateral resolution reduced to ～10 μm using an array of micro-sensors. The volume fraction of laser modified phase was maximized by implementing tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses inside PMMA and maintaining distance of few micrometers between the irradiation spots. The absolute value of thermal diffusivity of PMMA 1.066±0.08×10^?7 m²/s was reliably determined with the miniaturized sensors. Regions laser structured by single pulses had no trace of carbonization, almost the same thermal diffusivity as the host PMMA, and a stress-induced birefringence Δn～10^?4 modulated with period ～2 μm.     

Stable SOA-based multi-wavelength fiber ring laser using Sagnac loop mirror incorporating a high-birefringence photonic crystal fiber

Multi-wavelength fiber laser using semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and Sagnac loop mirror (SLM) incorporating a newly designed high-birefringence photonic crystal fiber (HB-PCF) is experimentally demonstrated. The modal birefringence of the fabricated HB-PCF is estimated to be 1.1 × 10⁻³. Mainly, by adjusting a polarization controller in the fiber ring laser, the proposed fiber laser can operate at six lasing wavelengths with 2.7 nm intervals, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of around 30 dB. The output power stability is 0.8 dB. In addition, we obtained near-perfect temperature independence in our multi-wavelength fiber laser system. The temperature dependence of the SLM is around 3 pm/°C.     

Pressure and temperature characterization of two interferometric configurations based on suspended-core fibers

In this work, two all-fiber interferometric configurations based on suspended core fibers (SCF) are investigated. A Fabry–Pérot cavity (FPC) made of SCF spliced in-between segments of single-mode and hollow-core fiber is proposed. The interferometric signals are generated by the refractive-index mismatches between the two fibers in the splice region and at the end of the suspended-core fiber. An alternative sensing head configuration formed by the insertion of a length of SCF as a birefringence element in a Sagnac loop interferometer is also demonstrated. In this structure, the interferometric signals are generated by interfering two counter propagating beams with different polarization states which propagate through a length of SCF as a birefringence element. The sensitivity to pressure and temperature was determined for both configurations. The results show that the pressure sensitivities are ? 4.68 × 10^? 5 nm/psi and 0.032 nm/psi for FPC and Sagnac loop interferometers, respectively. The temperature sensitivity of both structures has been obtained and the results have been discussed.     

Growth, thermal, optical and birefringence studies of semiorganic nonlinear optical thiosemicarbazide cadmium chloride monohydrate (TCCM) single crystals

A semiorganic nonlinear optical material (thiosemicarbazide cadmium chloride monohydrate) (TCCM) was synthesized and single crystals was grown from aqueous solution by slow evaporation method at ambient temperature. Crystal of average size up to 5×4×3 mm³ were harvested and characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) technique to confirm the identity of the compound formed. The thermal stability was analyzed by TG/DTA. The birefringence values (Δ_n) were determined in the wavelength region 540-6500 Å. The second harmonic generation (SHG) from the materials was confirmed using Nd:YAG laser.     

偶氮苯侧链聚合物液晶薄膜的光致双折射和永久光学性存储研究

研究了一种含偶氮基侧链聚合物液晶薄膜,该液晶薄膜表现出显着的光致双折射(Δn～1.1×10^-2).当关闭写光作用后,光致双折射的大小没有任何衰减,表现出永久光存储特性.光致双折射的擦除可通过将样品加热到接近其清亮点温度,或用一束圆偏振光照射来实现.分析了偶氮侧链聚合物永久性光学存储的物理机制.     

Twist sensor based on Sagnac single-mode optic fiber interferometer

An optical fiber twist sensor based on Sagnac single-mode optic fiber interferometer is proposed. The stress-induced birefringence of single-mode optical fiber is obtained by applying a transverse force against a short length of singlemode fiber. A high sensitivity and resolution of the twist angle measurement of 0.19 nm/° and 0.002° is achieved experimentally, respectively. The proposed sensor is more convenient and simple than that of standard polarization-maintaining fibers.     

Extremely large birefringence and shifting of zero dispersion wavelength of photonic crystal fibers

Three different types of photonic crystal fibers have been investigated which promise very large birefringence. The first type fiber is band gap guiding, the second index guiding, while the third type is index guiding with high refractive index circular and elliptical regions in the innermost ring. The birefringence, group velocity dispersion, modal effective index and mode field area of these fibers have been numerically estimated by employing finite difference time domain method. When elliptical regions are introduced in the first and second rings with the combination of small circular regions, each of these proposed fibers exhibits large birefringence with shifted zero dispersion point. Among these three different types of fibers, the band gap guiding photonic crystal fiber promises the largest birefringence (～5.45×10^?2) reported so far. The value of the birefringence and group velocity dispersion of these fibers can be controlled by controlling the hole pitch. Largest birefringence is achieved with a specific value of hole pitch.