Abstract

Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) are characterized by a complex pattern of microscopic air-holes in the transverse plane. Unlike conventional optical fibers, PCFs may be single mode from the visible to the near infrared. In addition, PCFs can be designed with multiple cores or with air holes of different shapes [1]. Owing to these properties it is possible to develop novel sensors or interferometers and new scientific applications with PCFs [1,2]. The reported interferometers based on PCFs until now present challenges in terms of complexity and/or manufacturability [2], Here we address the construction of simple and stable interferometers with PCFs fusion spliced with standard single mode optical fiber (SMF), see the left-hand side drawing of Fig. 1. Such interferometers can be used to sense diverse physical parameters such as strain, sound, vibrations, temperature, pressure, etc.

© 2007 IEEE