Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for splicing crystal fibers to silica glass fibers. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanically stable bonds with negligible optical transmission loss by splicing fibers through a thermally enhanced reaction bonding process at lower temperatures than the melting point of the crystal. In an embodiment, mixing of the materials at elevated temperatures forms a stable intermediary material which enhances strength and reduces the transmission losses.

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a compact light source comprising a microchip laser is launched directly into an infrared fiber without a nonlinear element. Light from the laser is beyond the two-photon absorption of the infrared fiber. The broadband output has a bandwidth greater than the input laser bandwidth by at least 100% and an emission wavelength range from 2 to 14 micrometers.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a random anti-reflective surface structure on an optical fiber including a holder configured to hold the optical fiber comprising a groove and a fiber connector, an adhesive material to hold the optical fiber in the holder and fill any gap between the optical fiber and the holder, a glass to cover the adhesive material and the optical fiber, and a reactive ion etch device. The reactive ion etch device comprises a plasma and is configured to expose an end face of the optical fiber to the plasma. The plasma is configured to etch a random anti-reflective surface structure on the end face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for achieving alignment and optical switching of a liquid crystal (LC) layer that is deposited on chalcogenide glass (ChG). Direct brushing of ChG produces an effective LC alignment layer. Also disclosed is the related waveguide assembly for achieving alignment and optical switching of a liquid crystal (LC) layer deposited on chalcogenide glass (ChG).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for mechanically encapsulating an infrared transmitting optical fiber, removing any power coupled to the cladding of the infrared optical fiber, and bridging the thermal properties between the optical fiber and the mechanical ferrule used. Embodiments of the present disclosure have several advantages over prior systems. For example, in an embodiment, the transmitting ferrule does not require epoxy to mount the fiber to the ferrule, isolates the front face of the fiber, and allows for high power to be incident on the connector without damage by reducing the thermal induced stress and managing any stray light coupled to the core.

Abstract: An optical system having two or more different optical elements with a corresponding interface between the optical elements. At least one of the optical elements has an anti-reflective structure that is transferred to the interface between two optical elements, typically by embossing. Also disclosed is the related method for making the optical system.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an anti-reflective surface structure on an optical device includes a shim including a textured pattern, wherein the shim is configured to stamp the optical device with the textured pattern, a connector configured to place the optical device in proximity to the shim and apply a force to the optical device against the shim, and a laser source configured to heat the optical device by generating and applying a laser beam to the optical device when the optical device is placed in proximity to the shim.

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a light source comprising a pulsed microchip laser operating at a wavelength greater than one micrometer, a nonlinear optical parametric element operated without a cavity, and an infrared fiber. Light from the laser is pumped into the nonlinear optical parametric element to generate two new wavelengths, and the output from the nonlinear optical parametric element is launched into the infrared fiber. Output from the infrared fiber has a bandwidth greater than the input laser bandwidth by at least 100% and an emission wavelength range from 2 to 14 micrometers.

Abstract: A method for making a chalcogenide glass waveguide in a liquid crystal-based non-mechanical beam steering device that permits steering in the mid-wave infrared. The waveguide core, the subcladding, or both comprise a chalcogenide glass. A mask is used to produce a tapered subcladding. Also disclosed is the related non-mechanical beam steering device that includes a chalcogenide waveguide.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating antireflective surface structures (ARSS) on an optical element using a three-dimensional film layer applied to the surface of the optical element. The methods beneficially permit materials that do not exhibit local variation in physical and chemical properties to be provided with ARSS. Optical elements having ARSS on at least one surface are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating antireflective surface structures (ARSS) on optical elements. Optical elements having ARSS on at least one surface are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating antireflective surface structures (ARSS) on an optical element using a seed layer of material deposited on the surface of the optical element. The seed layer is removed during or after the etching, and serves to control etching time as well as the transmission region of the optical element having ARSS. Optical elements having ARSS on at least one surface are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing fibers having nanoparticles therein are provided, as well as preforms and fibers incorporating nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may include one or more rare earth ions selected based on fluorescence at eye-safer wavelengths, surrounded by a low-phonon energy host. Nanoparticles that are not doped with rare earth ions may also be included as a co-dopant to help increase solubility of nanoparticles doped with rare earth ions in the silica matrix. The nanoparticles may be incorporated into a preform, which is then drawn to form fiber. The fibers may beneficially be incorporated into lasers and amplifiers that operate at eye safer wavelengths. Lasers and amplifiers incorporating the fibers may also beneficially exhibit reduced Stimulated Brillouin Scattering.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for splicing crystal fibers to silica glass fibers. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide mechanically stable bonds with negligible optical transmission loss by splicing fibers through a thermally enhanced reaction bonding process at lower temperatures than the melting point of the crystal. In an embodiment, mixing of the materials at elevated temperatures forms a stable intermediary material which enhances strength and reduces the transmission losses.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber with multiple openings comprising the steps of fabricating an extrusion die using additive manufacturing such that the extrusion die has a plurality of channels that combine inside the die into another set of channels, extruding a glass, forming a fiber optic preform having a plurality of longitudinal openings that run the entire length, attaching a barrier layer for pressure application, and stretching the preform into an optical fiber with multiple openings. An extrusion die comprising an additive manufactured material, having a proximal side having openings and having a distal side having openings, wherein the openings of the proximal side are of feed channels, wherein the openings of the distal side are of forming channels, and wherein in side the body of the die, two of the feed channels combine the forming channels.

Abstract: A method for achieving alignment and optical switching of a liquid crystal (LC) layer that is deposited on chalcogenide glass (ChG). Direct brushing of ChG produces an effective LC alignment layer. Also disclosed is the related waveguide assembly for achieving alignment and optical switching of a liquid crystal (LC) layer deposited on chalcogenide glass (ChG).

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a pump light comprising a microchip laser operating with a wavelength of 1.0 ?m or greater that can be wavelength shifted though a nonlinear element to a wavelength beyond the two-photon absorption of the infrared fiber and launched into infrared fiber whereby the spectrum is broadened in the infrared fiber through various nonlinear processes to generate a supercontinuum within the mid-IR from 2 to 14 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific gradient-optical-index porous (GRIP) layer coating on inorganic optical substrate surfaces, and the fabrication method used to create the GRIP layer coating. The method consists of two major processing steps: (1) the co-deposition of an optical index-matching material and a mass density-modulating material, followed by (2) the sacrificial etch of the mass-density-modulating material to reveal a GRIP surface. The method is designed for use with crystalline, polycrystalline, and dry or wet etch-resistant substrate materials, where anti-reflective (AR) solutions using AR surface structures (ARSSs) do not exist. These coatings are designed to minimize Fresnel reflectivity of the original substrate surfaces, using a single porous layer matched to the optical index of the original substrate material.

Abstract: A device for the generation of supercontinuum in infrared fiber with a pump light comprising a microchip laser operating with a wavelength of 1.0 ?m or greater that can be wavelength shifted though a nonlinear element to a wavelength beyond the two-photon absorption of the infrared fiber and launched into infrared fiber whereby the spectrum is broadened in the infrared fiber through various nonlinear processes to generate a supercontinuum within the mid-IR from 2 to 14 ?m.

Abstract: A system and method for creating an anti-reflective surface structure on an optical device includes a shim including a textured pattern, wherein the ship is configured to stamp the optical device with the textured pattern, a connector configured to place the optical device in proximity to the shim and apply a force to the optical device against the shim, and a laser source configured to heat the optical device by generating and applying a laser beam to the optical device when the optical device is placed in proximity to the shim.