âHair-thinâ optical fibers promise performance innovations
26 Jan 2021
University of Bonn team makes fine fibres simply; predicts applications in quantum, sensors, and gas detection.
Miniaturised optical filter is located in the central slot of the sleeve mount.Scientists at the University of Bonn, Germany, have developed hair-thin optical fibre filters in a very simple way. These are not only extremely compact and stable, but also wavelength-tunable. This means they can be used in quantum technology and as sensors for temperature or for detecting atmospheric gases.
The work is described in Optics Express.
Optical resonators or filters are key components cutting out narrow spectral lines from white light sources. In the simplest case such filters are built from two opposing mirrors passing light back and forth as precisely as the pendulum of a clock. The wavelength of the filtered light is set by the mirror separation.