Automation methodology for the development of LPFG using CO2 laser radiation

D. Castro Alves; João M. P. Coelho; Marta Nespereira; Fernando Monteiro; Manuel Abreu; J. M. Rebordão

doi:10.1117/12.2026249

18 November 2013 Automation methodology for the development of LPFG using CO₂ laser radiation

D. Castro Alves, João M. P. Coelho, Marta Nespereira, Fernando Monteiro, Manuel Abreu, J. M. Rebordão

Proceedings Volume 8785, 8th Iberoamerican Optics Meeting and 11th Latin American Meeting on Optics, Lasers, and Applications; 87854X (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026249
Event: 8th Ibero American Optics Meeting/11th Latin American Meeting on Optics, Lasers, and Applications, 2013, Porto, Portugal

Abstract

The mid-infrared radiation produced by CO2 lasers is being widely used to produce long period fiber gratings (LPFG) with several advantages over other methods. Several techniques can be used to irradiate the fiber in order to produce the necessary effect. Using a cylindrical lens to create a line of light or scanning of a spot over the fiber are the most common approaches. Usually, the period is produced either by a translation stage moving perpendicular to the incident beam or by using a two mirrors scanner that inscribes the entire period directly on the fiber. In both cases, the synchronization between the laser and the moving elements is critical. Also, when using a two mirrors scanner, the dimension of the LPFG is limited by the focusing lens diameter and its focal length. All this become critical when one needs to increase the LPFG’s length or reduce its period. The later usually implies shorter laser emission times, which is limited by the laser emission physics (at least for cheap low power CW lasers). In order to overcome the disadvantages of each method, a combined approach is presented and analyzed. A mirror scans vertically the beam over a cylindrical lens and a translation stage moves the fiber to create the different periods. The laser keeps emitting during the complete process increasing laser power stability and thus, improving grating homogeneity. To guarantee the synchronization between the translation table and the one mirror scanner, special hardware and software was created.

Citation Download Citation

D. Castro Alves, João M. P. Coelho, Marta Nespereira, Fernando Monteiro, Manuel Abreu, and J. M. Rebordão "Automation methodology for the development of LPFG using CO₂ laser radiation", Proc. SPIE 8785, 8th Iberoamerican Optics Meeting and 11th Latin American Meeting on Optics, Lasers, and Applications, 87854X (18 November 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026249

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