Optofluidic waveguides for reconfigurable photonic systems

Aram J. Chung, David Erickson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report the development of two liquid waveguide based photonic elements for use in reconfigurable photonic systems. This work demonstrates the ability to couple light from a conventional optical fiber to an adaptable liquid-core/liquid-cladding waveguide and back again to an optical fiber(s) enabling us to take advantage of both liquid- and solid-state photonic modalities. We demonstrate and characterize the use of this fiber-in and fiber-out system as either an optical switch or signal attenuator. Microscale flow control enables the adaptive morphology and tunable position of the liquid waveguide yielding an attenuation range of 3.1-10.7 dB, operability over a broad bandwidth spanning the range of wavelengths from visible to telecommunication, and a 1x2 sub-second switching system with a cross-talk as low as 20 dB and maximum coupling efficiency of 3.87 dB.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8602-8609
Number of pages8
JournalOptics Express
Volume19
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Apr 25
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Optofluidic waveguides for reconfigurable photonic systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this