Single mode propagation in fibers and rods with large leakage channels
AssigneeImra America, Inc.
InventorsLiang Dong, William Wong, Martin E. Fermann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various embodiments include large cores fibers that can propagate few modes or a single mode while introducing loss to higher order modes. Some of these fibers are holey fibers that comprising cladding features such as air-holes. Additional embodiments described herein include holey rods. The rods and fibers may be used in many optical systems including optical amplification systems, lasers, short pulse generators, Q-switched lasers, etc. and may be used for example for micromachining.
Claims25
An optical fiber configured to propagate at least one lower order mode having a wavelength, λ, said optical fiber comprising:
- a core region having a core width;
- and
- a cladding region surrounding said core region, said cladding region comprising a plurality of cladding features disposed in a matrix material, said plurality of cladding features having a maximum feature size, d, said plurality of cladding features separated by bridges having a maximum bridge width, a, said bridge comprising matrix material,
- wherein said core width is greater than about 25 micrometers,
- wherein said plurality of cladding features are arranged in no more than two layers around said core region, and
- wherein said maximum bridge width has a value that yields a ratio of a/λ that is at least about 5.
An optical rod for propagating at least one lower order mode having a wavelength, λ, while limiting propagation of higher order modes having a wavelength, λ, by providing said higher order modes with a higher loss than said at least one lower order mode at said wavelength, λ, said optical rod comprising:
- a first cladding region comprising one or more cladding features;
- and
- a core region surrounded by the said first cladding region, said cladding features configured to substantially confine propagation of said lower order modes to said core region, said core region having a width of at least about 20 micrometers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.