Narrow bandwidth interference filter-stabilized diode laser systems for the manipulation of neutral atoms

We present and investigate different external cavity diode laser (ECDL) configurations for the manipulation of neutral atoms, wavelength-stabilized by a narrow-band high transmission interference filter. A novel diode laser, providing high output power of more than 1 W, with a linewidth of less than 85 kHz, based on a self-seeded tapered amplifier chip has been developed. Additionally, we compare the optical and spectral properties of two laser systems based on common laser diodes, differing in their coating, as well as one, based on a distributed-feedback (DFB) diode. The linear cavity setup in all these systems combines a robust and compact design with a high wavelength tunability and an improved stability of the optical feedback compared to diode laser setups using diffraction gratings for wavelength discrimination.     

Novel tunable fiber-optic edge filter based on modulating the chirp rate of a π-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating in transmission

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel fiber-optic edge filter based on modulating the chirp rate of a π-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (FBG) operating in transmission mode. The phase shift induced passband in the transmission spectrum is utilized as the edge filter. The dependence of the π-phase-shifted FBG’s transmitted spectral response on the chirp rate has been numerically studied in detail and experimentally confirmed, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. The linear wavelength range of the proposed edge filter can be tuned by changing the chirp rate of FBG. The edge filter is further tested as a wavelength interrogator, and the experimental results are in good agreement with numerical results. The proposed fiber-optic edge filter has several unique advantages which include simple structure, cost effectiveness, high sensitivity, flexible tunability, and optical circulator is not required, and thus has interesting potential applications, especially as a wavelength interrogator in FBG foot sensors, FBG ultrasound and vibration sensors, and FBG distributed sensors, where the required wavelength ranges are very small (<0.4 nm).     

Compact spectroscopy system based on tunable organic semiconductor lasers

We applied a continuously tunable organic semiconductor thin film laser for high resolution transmission spectroscopy. Using a suitable encapsulation application of that low-cost laser device allowed us to realize a very compact and durable measurement system incorporating only very few optical components. To demonstrate the capability of our setup for high-resolution photospectroscopy, we measured the transmission curve of a narrow laser line filter. The resulting data was in good agreement with a measurement of the filter characteristic done using a commercial spectrometer. Our system is capable of measuring optical density (OD) values up to OD 5. A key for future systems is a novel low-cost mechanical tuning method for position-dependent distributed feedback lasers which enables high-speed tuning with wavelength access times under 10 ms independent of the tuning bandwidth.     

3D nanoimprinted Fabry–Pérot filter arrays and methodologies for optical characterization

Fabry–Pérot (FP) filter arrays fabricated by high-resolution three dimensional (3D) NanoImprint technology are presented. A fabrication process to implement 3D templates with very high vertical resolution is developed. Filter arrays with 64 different cavity heights have been fabricated requiring only one single imprint step. Different optical methods are involved in this paper to characterize geometric and spectral properties. In order to investigate the transfer accuracy of the surface quality from the NanoImprint template to the filter, we use white light interferometry (WLI) measurements. Surface roughness and structure height accuracy of <1 nm for both values demonstrate the conservation of these critical parameters during the 3D NanoImprint process. Additionally, an optical characterization methodology for spectral transmission and reflection measurements of the filter arrays is introduced and applied. A compact microscope spectrometer setup which allows efficient handling, high resolution and short inspection time is verified by comparing measurement results to that of an optical bench setup used as a reference. First, this paper focuses on the foundation of the FP filter arrays, second on the technological fabrication, third on validation calibration of the setup and forth on the characterization of the filter arrays. The measurements envisage the spectral position of filter transmission lines, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the total spectral bandwidth of the array, i.e. the stopbands of the included Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBRs).     

Compact interrogator for fiber optic Bragg sensors based on an acousto-optic filter formed by photonic crystal rows of air holes

Fiber optic sensors are typically used with expensive tunable lasers or optical spectrum analyzers for wavelength interrogation. We propose to replace the tunable laser by a broadband optical source incorporated with a novel thin linewidth acousto-optic tunable filter. It utilizes optical beam expanders constituted by photonic crystal rows of air holes in LiNbO(3) waveguide. A new design is numerically studied for a short structure (with 32 photonic crystal rows) by a two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. Extrapolation of these results to larger structure sizes (about 1 cm) demonstrates the possibility to develop compact interrogators with 0.4 pm wavelength resolution and 40 nm tunable range around 1550 nm.     

Spectral and modulation properties of a largely tunable MEMS-VCSEL in view of gas phase spectroscopy applications

An extensive characterization of the spectral properties of a largely tunable laser in the 1.56-μm spectral range is reported. This device combines a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a micro-machined (MEMS) Bragg mirror in a very compact arrangement. The large tunability obtained by an electro-thermal actuation of the MEMS mirror makes this device very attractive for high-resolution spectroscopy. Relevant laser parameters for the implementation of wavelength modulation spectroscopy techniques in gas sensing, such as tuning and modulation properties, are presented. A preliminary gas spectroscopy experiment performed with this laser is also shown.     

Side-polished fiber based gain-flattening filter for erbium doped fiber amplifiers

A simple and accurate novel normal mode analysis has been developed to take into account the effect of the non-uniform depth of polishing in the study of the transmission characteristics of optical waveguide devices based on loading of a side-polished fiber half-coupler with a multimode planar waveguide. We apply the same to design and fabricate a gain-flattening filter suitable for fiber amplifiers. The wavelength dependent filtering action of the overall device could demonstrate flattening of an EDFA gain spectrum within ±0.7 dB over a bandwidth of 30 nm in the C-band. Results obtained by the present analysis agree very well with our experimental results. This present analysis should be very useful in the accurate design and analysis of any SPF-MMOW device/component including side-polished fiber based sensors.     

The thermal–optical effect due to varying the angle of incidence used for designing a tunable filter in photonic crystals

Tunable devices based on photonic-crystal (PhC) structures are employed in optical sources, detectors, and filters. We present the design and optimization of a wavelength-selective tunable filter with potential applications to the wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) systems. We analyze the design of a 1D tunable photonic-crystal filter, where tunability is achieved either by changing the temperature or the angle of incidence. The device is designed in a multilayered structure of silicon/silica (Si/SiO₂) with a defect in the middle. Based on the induced variation of optical parameters introduced by an external change of temperature, we analyze the effects of these changes in temperature on the transmission of the optical filter at different angles of incidence. We show that the position of the resonance peak has a linear dependence on temperature and the square of the angle of incidence. A linear regression provides a slope of d??/dT?=?+0.06?nm/°C and d??/d?? ²?=??0.104?nm/degree² around the transmission wavelength ???=?1.55???m. We obtain the corresponding field patterns and the transmission spectra using the transfer-matrix-method (TMM) simulations. We show the ability to tune the optical properties of the photonic-crystal filter elaborated by changing two parameters: the angle of incidence for selecting the wavelength and the temperature for fine tuning of the wavelength, which can be applied in integrated optics.     

Tunable holographic components in WDM optical networks

This paper describes the applications of a multipurpose holographic device in optical networks with Coarse and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM/ DWDM) technologies. In its basic structure, it can operate as a tunable wavelength filter, wavelength multiplexer or λ router. By using a more complex structure, the device works as OADM (Optical Add Drop Multiplexer) or OS (Optical Switch). Some simulations of the basic devices, from the optical transmission point of view, are made to match the transmission parameters for the application in optical networks. Performance parameters of the device, like switching time, losses, cross-talk or polarization insensitivity are analyzed and compared with other multiplexing or switching technologies. To complete the review of these components, a study of computer generated holograms (CGH) design is carried out. The results are used in the design of holographic devices to perform different applications: in Metro networks, where a design of a holographic device with wavelength conversion and routing is analyzed, or, in Access Networks like a tunable filter or demultiplexer in Fiber to the Home/Business (FTTH/FTTB) topologies.     

新型波长解调技术在干涉型光纤传感器输出解调中的应用

提出了一种改进型边缘滤波波长解调技术,解决干涉型或谐振型光纤传感器输出的干涉谱波长的快速解调问题。该波长解调技术基于啁啾光栅和长周期光栅的光谱特点,以啁啾光栅作为矩形滤波器,提取传感器输出干涉谱的一个干涉峰;以长周期作为边缘滤波器,将干涉峰的波长信息转化为光强信息进行检测。该波长解调技术波长解调范围为传感器输出干涉谱的一个自由光谱范围(FSR),解调速度快,克服了当前波长解调技术中存在的测量范围与测量速度难以同时提高的问题,同时还具有系统成本低 ,体积小,能够灵活多路扩展的特点。详细介绍了解调系统的工作原理以及系统结构,并将其实际应用于一种干涉型光纤电流传感器输出干涉谱的波长解调中。通过实验证明电流传感器工作在工频及脉冲电流(脉冲宽度25 μs)情况下,该解调系统对传感器输出干涉谱具有准确、快速的解调效果。该研究对推进干涉或谐振型光纤传感器的实际工程化水平的提高具有重要意义。     

Bistable Optical Devices Using Laser Diodes Coupled to Interference Filters

A bistable optical device was demonstrated by using the longitudinal mode hopping of the laser diode and the narrow transmission spectrum of an interference filter. The device is capable of converting changes in the wavelength of the laser diode into changes in intensity by transmitting it through the filter. Exclusive OR operation was observed with the use of triple signal outputs. In addition, an optical switch-off phenomenon was confirmed by directly injecting a pulse 500 ps wide into an external dye laser.     

Vernier-cascade label-free biosensor with integrated arrayed waveguide grating for wavelength interrogation with low-cost broadband source

Recently, cheap silicon-on-insulator label-free biosensors have been demonstrated that allow fast and accurate quantitative detection of biologically relevant molecules for applications in medical diagnostics and drug development. However, whereas the sensor chip can be made cheaply, an expensive tunable laser is typically required to accurately monitor spectral shifts in the sensor's transmission spectrum (wavelength interrogation). To address this issue, we integrated a very sensitive Vernier-cascade sensor with an arrayed waveguide grating spectral filter that divides the sensor's transmission spectrum in multiple wavelength channels and transmits them to spatially separated output ports, allowing wavelength interrogation with a much cheaper broadband light source. Experiments show that this sensor can monitor refractive index changes of watery solutions in real time with a detection limit (1.6·10(-5)?RIU) competitive with more expensive interrogation schemes, indicating its applicability in low-cost label-free biosensing. The relaxation on the complexity of the source, moreover, offers the prospect to integrate the source and detectors to further reduce the device cost and to increase its portability.     

Stimulated Raman hyperspectral imaging based on spectral filtering of broadband fiber laser pulses

We demonstrate a technique of hyperspectral imaging in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy using a tunable optical filter, whose transmission wavelength can be varied quickly by a galvanometer mirror. Experimentally, broadband Yb fiber laser pulses are synchronized with picosecond Ti:sapphire pulses, and then spectrally filtered out by the filter. After amplification by fiber amplifiers, we obtain narrowband pulses with a spectral width of <3.3 cm(-1) and a wavelength tunability of >225 cm(-1). By using these pulses, we accomplish SRS imaging of polymer beads with spectral information.     

Optomechanical nanoantenna

We introduce optomechanical nanoantennae, which show dramatic changes in scattering properties by minuscule changes in geometry. These structures are very compact, with a volume 500 times smaller than free-space optical wavelength volume. This deep subwavelength geometry leads to high speed and low switching power. The bandwidth of the device is about 4.4?GHz, with a switching energy of only 35?pJ. Such antenna structures could lead to compact and high-speed all-optical nanoswitches.     

Quasi-distributed temperature sensor combining Fibre Bragg Gratings and temporal reflectometry technique interrogation

Quasi-distributed sensors based on Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG) usually deal with the concatenation of FBGs of different Bragg wavelengths analyzed through wavelength-sensitive devices. In these sensors, a given wavelengths range is dedicated to one particular FBG. The number of sensing points is directly limited by the source and detector spectral ranges, and by the wavelength spacing between two gratings. This spacing is linked to the maximum possible excursion of the physical parameter to be measured-before superimposition of the reflection spectra of the FBGs.In this paper, an original interrogating device is presented, that allows a very large number of concatenated gratings to be addressed. In this scheme, identical FBGs (same Bragg wavelength and same low reflectivity) are interrogated by the Optical Time Domain Reflectometry technique, for which a commercial device has been extended to a wavelength-tunable system, within an automated experimental set-up. Detection and localization of an important amount of sensing points along a unique optical fibre is demonstrated. Repeatability measurements did exhibit the very good accuracy of the presented sensor.     

对称双缺陷光子晶体的可调谐滤波特性分析

基于光子晶体的光子局域特性,并利用光子晶体的介观压光效应,提出了一种新型的双通道可调滤波器结构.采用传输矩阵法对该滤波器的光学传输特性进行了理论推导,建立了透射谱与光子晶体结构参数的关系,讨论了介观压光效应对双缺陷光子晶体透射谱的影响,并对所设计的光子晶体结构进行了数值模拟.结果表明:随着入射角度的增大,缺陷峰发生蓝移.随着各介质层折射率或几何厚度的增加,缺陷峰发生红移.当光子晶体发生轴向拉伸应变时,缺陷峰的位置向长波长移动,但缺陷峰的峰值大体不变,从而验证了此滤波器的可调节性.该光子晶体滤波器结构紧凑,可调谐性好,为光子晶体激光器及传感器的设计提供了一定的理论参考.     

新型透射式全息窄带带阻滤光器的光谱特性分析

滤光器在光谱学、光学测量和激光物理中有着极其重要的应用。全息滤光器是一种新型滤光器,特别是利用重铬酸明胶(DCG)记录的全息透射式窄带滤光器,其主要特点为对主谱线有很窄的带宽。文章主要用紫外-可见分光光度计测定用DCG记录的透射式全息窄带带阻滤光器的光谱特性,测量结果分析表明,滤光器在可见光区域(400～800 nm)对其中心波长的相对透射率小于2%,其他谱线的相对透射率大于85%。且滤光器有较窄的带宽,其半宽度小于12 nm,十分之一宽度小于15 nm。对氩离子激光(Ar+)主谱线514.5 nm有优良的滤光特性。     

Ultra-fast tunable optical filters for WDM networks

One missing component in the next generation optical communications link is an ultra-fast tunable filter. This is a crucial element in dense wavelength division multiplexing systems. Here, a novel fiber loop configuration is proposed, which operates as such a filter. The filter implementation is based upon currently available technologies. It is shown that with the suggested technique, optical selective elements can be generated with a tuning speed of a few nanoseconds. This is three orders of magnitude faster than other currently available filters. The filter can be designed as compact and is immunized to external instabilities. Using compound configurations, the filter can be designed with a very wide range of filter finesse and free spectral range.     

Tunable polarization-independent Šolc-type wavelength filter based on periodically poled lithium niobate

We demonstrated a compact structure to implement the tunable ?olc-type wavelength filter based on periodically poled lithium niobate device. The theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the wavelength filter exhibits polarization independent. By comparing the polarization-independent and single-pass ?olc-type filters, same wavelength spectrum response was observed, while the improvement on the transmission power was obviously achieved and the polarization dependent loss was eliminated efficiently using polarization diversity and multiplexing.     

Optical communications in the mid-wave IR spectral band

The mid-wave IR (MWIR) spectral band extending from 3 to 5 microns is considered to be a low loss atmospheric window. The MWIR wavelengths are eye safe and are attractive for several free-space applications including remote sensing of chemical and biological species, hard target imaging, range finding, target illumination, and free-space communications. Due to the nature of light-matter interaction characteristics, MWIR wavelength based systems can provide unique advantages over other spectral bands for these applications. The MWIR wavelengths are found to effectively penetrate natural and anthropogenic obscurants. Consequently, MWIR systems offer increased range performance at reduced power levels. Free-space, line-of-sight optical communication links for terrestrial as well as space based platforms using MWIR wavelengths can be designed to operate under low visibility conditions. Combined with high-bandwidth, eye-safe, covert and jam proof features, a MWIR wavelength based optical communication link could play a vital role in hostile environments. A free-space optical communication link basically consists of a transmitter, a receiver and a scheme for directing the beam towards a target. Coherent radiation in the MWIR spectral band can be generated using various types of lasers and nonlinear optical devices. Traditional modulation techniques are applicable to these optical sources. Novel detector and other subcomponent technologies with enhanced characteristics for a MWIR based system are advancing. Depending on the transmitter beam characteristics, atmospheric conditions may adversely influence the beam propagation and thereby increasing the bit error rate. For satisfactory transmission over a given range, the influence of atmosphere on beam propagation has to be analyzed. In this chapter, salient features of atmospheric modeling required for wavelength selection and performance prediction is presented. Potential optical sources and detectors for building a practical MWIR communication link are surveyed. As an illustration, the design configuration and experimental results of a recently demonstrated free-space, obscurant penetrating optical data communication link suitable for battlefield applications is discussed. In this case, the MWIR wavelength was derived using an all solid-state, compact, optical parametric oscillator device. With this device, weapon codes pertaining to small and large weapon platforms were transmitted over a range of 5 km. Furthermore, image transmission through light fog, accomplished using this hardware, is also presented. Advances in source and detector technologies are contributing to the development of cost effective systems compatible with various platforms requirements. In coming years, MWIR wavelengths are anticipated to play a vital role in various human endeavors.