Arc-Induced Long-Period Gratings

Abstract

The electric arc technique allows the inscription of long-period gratings (LPGs) virtually in all types of fibers, including non-photosensitive fibers, the case of non-Ge–doped photonic crystal fibers being of particular interest. LPGs written in standard fibers using this technique have shown a high thermal stability. Also, the resistance to γ-radiation of LPGs arc-induced in pure-silica-core fibers is being assessed and the achieved results are very promising. We have also demonstrated that the combination of arc-induced LPGs and UV-induced fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) leads to sampled FBGs that are able to address sensing functionalities with enhanced performance. Therefore, as a result of their properties, gratings induced by arc-discharges can find a wide range of applications in optical communications as well as in fiber sensing.

Keywords:

• electric arc discharge technique
• arc-induced gratings
• long-period gratings
• fiber gratings
• optical sensors

Acknowledgments

G. Rego is thankful for the grant conceded by the Program PRODEP III—Medida 5—Acção 5.3.—Formação Avançada de Docentes do Ensino Superior.