Mechanical cleavage of complex microstructured fibers

Véronique François; Seyed Sadreddin Aboutorabi

doi:10.1117/12.628618

4 October 2005 Mechanical cleavage of complex microstructured fibers

Véronique François, Seyed Sadreddin Aboutorabi

Proceedings Volume 5970, Photonic Applications in Devices and Communication Systems; 597002 (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.628618
Event: Photonics North, 2005, Toronto, Canada

Abstract

If microstructured optical fibers are to find widespread use in photonics technology, they will have to be easily cleavable using mechanical cleavers, since more sophisticated cleaving techniques add complexity. Conventional mechanical cleavers are the preferred laboratory and production tools because they are both simpler to use and more time- and cost-effective compared to techniques such as laser cutting. When designing complex microstructured fibers (MSF) with exciting novel optical characteristics, it is therefore important to favor those geometries that allow high-quality cleavage using standard mechanical cleavers. In this paper, we present an analytical model for fracture propagation during the cleaving process in a complex MSF. The model is based on experimental observations. Three samples of high air-fraction double-clad MSFs were used. Although that they all feature the same structural profiles (but differing in certain geometrical dimensions), they give totally different cleavage patterns. The cleaved surfaces were studied and analyzed. Analysis of the cleaved surfaces allowed to establish a criterion for smooth fracture propagation in a high air-fraction double clad MSF and to suggest a novel design approach for these specific structures.

Citation Download Citation

Véronique François and Seyed Sadreddin Aboutorabi "Mechanical cleavage of complex microstructured fibers", Proc. SPIE 5970, Photonic Applications in Devices and Communication Systems, 597002 (4 October 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.628618

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available