Absorption and transmission spectral measurement of fiber-optic components using supercontinuum radiation

We report on broadband absorption and transmission measurements using supercontinuum sources generated in microstructured fibers. The advantages of this measurement technique include high brightness and broad bandwidth. Furthermore, the high spatial coherence of the supercontinuum source allows for efficient coupling into the device under test compared to standard light bulbs. Employing this technique, we measure the impurity absorption spectrum of Erbium-doped fibers with both low and high dopant concentration. The transmission spectra of a photonic bandgap fiber and a high-finesse fiber cavity are also characterized.