High impact shock testing of fiber-optic components

MIL-S-901 High Impact Shock tests were performed on commercial-grade and ruggedized fiber-optic connectors, splices, and switches. Both single-mode and multimode connectors and splices were tested. Only multimode switches were tested. Transient losses of varying magnitudes and durations were observed. Most components suffered no permanent degradation.     

Accurate modal characterization of passive components based on selective excitation of optical fibers

Modal performances of multimode optical passive components are measured by use of a selective excitation techique. Pure LP_m1 modes up to LP_{15 1} mode are generated in a Ti: sapphire laser cavity and launched in the input fiber of the component under test. Azimuthal dependency of the LP₁₁ mode excitation coefficient is used in an accurate centering technique of monomode and multimode splices or connectors.     

Multiple fiber connectors for multimode fibers

We report on a multiple fiber connector for multimode fibers with a low insertion loss of ? 0.22 dB. The simple, standard photolithographic fabrication process involved can yield reproducibly the tight tolerances that are required for low loss connectors.     

A numerical model of multimode fiber PON frequency response

Frequency response of passive optical network (PON) based on multimode fibers is investigated. The network comprises fibers, connectors and splitters/couplers. It is shown that due to mode filtering at splitters, the frequency response is different for different network nodes in otherwise symmetrical network.     

Geometrical theory of multimode optical fiber-to-fiber connectors

For optical communication to become a reality, it will be necessary to develop both permanent splices and detachable connectors for optical fibers. In this paper, I develop a simple, one-dimensional, geometrical theory with which to calculate losses introduced at a connection by alignment errors or fiber-end separation. I assume the fibers to be illuminated uniformly across the diameter of the core and within the acceptance angle. The calculation is verified with experiment.For typical fibers, the theory shows, not surprisingly, that radial misalignment of the fiber axes is by far the most severe problem. Even fibers with core diameters as large as 100 μm will have to be aligned more precisely than ± 10 μm.     

Self-guiding multimode interference threshold switch

We propose a new passive optical thresholding device that combines the principles of multimode interference (MMI) with self-guiding. The multimode region is composed of a nonlinear optical material that will support a self-guided beam (i.e., a material with a positive Kerr nonlinearity). The device operates by switching between the MMI mode of operation and the self-guiding mode of operation, depending on the input light intensity. We describe the basic principles of a self-guiding MMI device, simulate the device, and discuss design issues associated with these optically controlled optical switches.     

N × N集成光开关阵列模型

报道了由2N个1 × N 多模干涉马赫-曾德尔光开关组成的N × N光开关阵列结构,分析了这种结构的开关阵列优势和局限性.用场传输矩阵方法建立了1 × N多模干涉光开关的光场传输方程.给出了光开关阵列从任一输入端输入、从任一输出端输出时阵列开关的工作条件.在上述原理及理论基础上分析了4×4光开关阵列的结构和工作条件.     

A novel reconfigurable radio-over-fiber system based on flexible optical devices

In this paper, a reconfigurable Radio over Fiber system based on optical switches, optical multimode interference power splitter and tunable optical filters is designed, which can achieve quadrature phase shift keying wireless modulation in optical domain and switch carrier frequency between 30 and 60 GHz. The scheme can make good use of bandwidth resource and realize signal transmission in fiber within 10 km.     

Theory of power coupling between multimode optical fibres

In this paper power coupling between two multimode optical fibres is investigated. A formalism (based on a geometrical approach) suitable for analysing any coupling configuration between fibres with any index profile and any radiance distribution is presented. The model is applied to obtain coupling losses both in uniformly excited parabolic- and step-index fibres, in the presence of all kinds of coupling errors. Numerical results of extensive utility are shown and useful asymptotic expressions of coupling efficiency, valid for small values of coupling error parameters, are derived together with some practical rules for error combination. Mention is also made of some experimental results we have obtained, which corroborate some previous assertions. The work can supply a useful tool in the design of joints and connectors between single fibres or optical cables.     

Calibrated optical fiber power meters: Errors due to variations in connectors

We discuss potential errors in the measurement of optical fiber power when using a calibrated power meter with connectors of various types and from different vendors. Data are given on the error and standard deviation due to biconic connectors from a limited number of vendors. We speculate that the error is due to reflecting surfaces on the connector end. To confirm the hypothesis, we tested two connectors whose reflective ends have noticeable differences. The data illustrate the variability seen among connectors. Our data indicate that a user should expect measurement error in most cases. We issue a call for caution based on the results.     

Calibrated optical fiber power meters: Errors due to variations in connectors

We discuss potential errors in the measurement of optical fiber power when using a calibrated power meter with connectors of various types and from different vendors. Data are given on the error and standard deviation due to biconic connectors from a limited number of vendors. We speculate that the error is due to reflecting surfaces on the connector end. To confirm the hypothesis, we tested two connectors whose reflective ends have noticeable differences. The data illustrate the variability seen among connectors. Our data indicate that a user should expect measurement error in most cases. We issue a call for caution based on the results.     

Design of full-bandwidth ROADM based on MMI and MRRs

In this paper, we propose a full-bandwidth reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) equipped with multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) and switch array. Based on the pairwise multimode interference (MMI) and side-ported MMI, the full-bandwidth MUX/DEMUX is achieved. The switch array based on microring resonators (MRRs) can achieve the function of the wavelength selective switches. By designing the second-order series-coupled MRR structure, using thermo-optic effect, the switch is able to get a switching ratio above 16 dB. The proposed ROADM system shows good performance for application in dynamic optical networks.     

Reduced minimum configuration fiber optic gyro for land navigation applications

Further cost reduction of the fiber optic gyroscope is necessary in order to meet the economic requirements of land navigation systems. We have previously concentrated on the reduction of the number of splices and component improvements in the open-loop, minimum configuration. Now we eliminate nonessential components and splices. The source-detector coupler is not part of the Sagnac interferometer and serves solely to provide isolation between the broadband optical source and the photodetector. Many commercial laser diodes incorporate a back-facet photodetector to monitor laser intensity. The signal returned from the Sagnac interferometer traverses the laser, is received at this photodetector, and can be distinguished from the laser signal by the bias modulation. Configuring a gyro in this manner eliminates a directional coupler and the separate photodetector as well as up to three fiber splices in an all-fiber gyroscope. A production, open-loop, fiber optic gyroscope has been modified to demonstrate this principal. The gyroscope can be constructed with only two fiber splices and exhibits performance comparable to the conventional minimum configuration.     

The integrated prism interpretation of multileg Mach-Zehnder interferometers based on multimode interference couplers

To simplify the driving conditions as well as to improve the wavelength response of multileg Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI) based on multimode interference (MMI) couplers we develop a new interpretation of these devices. Used for optical switching and for wavelength filtering, they are shown to work as active or passive integrated prisms. This analogy greatly facilitates the design of such components and simplifies the understanding of their functionality. The driving conditions of optical switches based on such multileg MZI are easility studied and will be reduced to basic active phase shifts. For wavelength filtering applications using such elements, a new design of the phased waveguide array is proposed which improves the characteristics of the filters.     

具有调制功能的多模干涉型1×3分束器

提出了利用量子约束斯塔克(Stark)效应制作具有调制功能的多模干涉型1×3分束器的设计思想,并详细分析了这种光分束器的工作原理。根据理论计算结果,制作了具有调制功能的多模干涉型1×3分束器。分束器的脊型多模波导长度为275μm,宽度为10μm,波导层采用GaAs/AlGaAs多量子阱结构,厚度约为0.2μm;电极采用共面波导结构。首先用有限差分光束传播法模拟了器件的光波传播特性,然后进行了初步的实验验证。理论模拟和实验结果表明,波长为0.86μm的高斯光束对称入射到多模波导的中心,器件实现了3分束功能;施加3 V的直流偏压,器件的调制深度达90%以上、调制带宽为2 GHz,实现了电吸收调制功能。     

Planar branching network for multimode glass fibers

We have fabricated and tested a planar branching network which distributes light signals from one incoming to several outgoing multimode glass fibers. Our design also assures accurate alignment of the fibers with the branching network.     

An Overview of Mechanical Strength of Optical Fiber Fusion Splices: Examples of Fractographic Analysis of Break Causes

The theory and phenomena of mechanical strength of fusion splices are reviewed. An emphasis is placed on fractographic analysis of break causes. A variety of useful examples of splice breaks resulting from surface mechanical damage, various types of contamination, re-deposition of silica particles/thermal shock, and devitrification are shown. Special strength reduction issues related to emerging new splice types and splicing techniques, such as arc fusion splicing of heat sensitive fibers, prolonged pre- and post-heat treatment (for reducing splice losses of dissimilar fiber splices), and fire polishing, are discussed.     

Reliability of passive fiber-optic interconnects

In this paper, recent efforts to characterize the reliability of passive fiber-optic interconnection components, such as single-mode connectors, fused-tapered couplers, and wavelength-division multiplexers, are reviewed. These components, having been tested under a variety of mechanical and environmental conditions, showed no degradation in optical or mechanical performance.     

Reliability of passive fiber-optic interconnects

In this paper, recent efforts to characterize the reliability of passive fiber-optic interconnection components, such as single-mode connectors, fused-tapered couplers, and wavelength-division multiplexers, are reviewed. These components, having been tested under a variety of mechanical and environmental conditions, showed no degradation in optical or mechanical performance.     

Development and Infrared Applications of Chalcogenide Glass Optical Fibers

Chalcogenide glass fibers based on sulphide, selenide, telluride, and their rare earth doped compositions are being actively pursued both at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. (NRL) and worldwide. Great strides have been made in reducing optical losses using improved chem ical purification techniques, but further improvements are needed in both purification and fiberization technology to attain the theoretical optical losses. Despite this, current singlemode and multimode chalcogenide glass fibers are enabling numerous applications. Some of these applications include laser power delivery, chemical sensing, imaging, scanning near field microscopy spectroscopy, fiber infrared (IR) sources lasers, amplifiers, and optical switches. The authors assert that the research and development of chalcogenide glasses will grow in the foreseeable future, especially with respect to improvements the optical quality of the fibers and the performance of the fibers in existing future applications.