Abstract

We present a new class of tunable optical devices based on the incorporation of scattering material into air-holes of an air-silica microstructured fiber. Previous examples of tunable guiding properties in optical fibers have relied on achieving bulk changes in the refractive index of infused material, such as polymer.¹ In contrast, our de- vices rely on the use of a material whose refractive index varies spatially on a scale comparable to the light wavelength, thus giving rise to scattering. Our ability to adjust the magnitude of the scattering cross section offers a novel mechanism for manipulating light propagation in these fibers.

© 2001 Optical Society of America