Abstract

The role of the optical filamentation process in the writing of FBGs with femtosecond pulses is analysed. Accordingly, it is shown that diffractive elements, such as phase masks, can be used to control the multi-filamentation process that occurs for pulses with input power largely exceeding the critical power for self-focusing. The benefits of this approach are discussed. Article not available.

© 2010 Optical Society of America