Current Trends in Short- and Long-period Fiber Gratings

CUADRADO LABORDE, CHRISTIAN

InTech

Año: 2013 p. 194

978-953-51-1131-3

Short- and long-period fiber gratings are simply composed of a periodic variation in the refractive index in the core of an optical fiber, generally induced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Among the advantages of fiber gratings over competing technologies we could mention: all-fiber geometry, low insertion loss, and potentially low cost. However, perhaps their most distinguishing feature is the flexibility they offer for achieving desired spectral characteristics. These components can filter light guided in optical fibers so that any part of the optical spectrum can be manipulated. They may be used for sensing, channel selection, channel blocking, narrow band mirrors for lasers, to perform all-optically well-defined mathematical operations, or as compact devices for compensating for the pulse spreading in optical fiber links. They allow the fabrication of an unprecedented number of devices, with a multitude of applications in fiber optic communication, lasers amplifiers, and sensing. The opportunities that both short- and long-period gratings provide are of enormous importance for the further development of fiber optic applications as cost-effective and efficient devices in the near future.