Abstract
Strong fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) (17 dB) have been fabricated using a
silicone rubber [polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)] phase mask directly integrated
on top of the cladding of an optical fiber. To achieve this result, a new
technique was developed that took advantage of alterations of the material
under low power exposure to a UV laser beam. Thus, the UV-improved PDMS
phase masks were the key to achieve strong FBG inscription. Fluor plasma
surface treatment of PDMS and variable depth profiles enables
self-replication for the fabrication of chirped and complex FBG filters.
Since the mask is fixed to the fiber, it can be reexposed at different times
to increase its isolation and length or reduce the phase stitch between two
gratings for precise tuning after use in a device. This technique enables
new reconfigurable FBG or FBG tuning after/during use.
© 2009 IEEE
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