× close to
The photonic lantern is designed to convert losslessly between optical sources and modes by optimizing the converging waveguide structure using adaptive learning algorithms and optical simulations. The structure is then printed onto a multi-core fiber source using direct laser writing and two-photon polymerization techniques. Left: Fiber tip view of a ceramic ferule with embedded multinuclear fibers, with a 300 micron high, 3D printed photonic lantern on the tip. Right: Magnified microscope view of a photonic lantern. Credit: Yoav Dana
Optical waves propagating through air or multi-mode fiber optics can be modeled or decomposed using orthogonal spatial modes, with far-reaching applications in imaging, communications and directed energy. Yet the systems that perform these wavefront manipulations are cumbersome and large, limiting their use to high-end applications.
The development of a free-standing photonic lantern in microscale spatial mode (de-)multiplexer using 3D nanoprinting, as shown in a recent study, marks a significant advance in photonic technology. This spatial multiplexer, characterized by its compactness, minimal footprint and ability to print and stick directly onto photonic circuits, optical fibers and optoelectronic elements such as lasers and photodetectors, opens new possibilities for system integration and adoption of the technology in the future . -capacity communication systems and demanding imaging modalities.
The work has been published in the magazine Light: science and applications.
The study of Ph.D. candidate Yoav Dana, supervised by Professor Dan Marom and his team from the Institute of Applied Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with scientists from Nokia Bell Labs, resulted in the development and demonstration of a free-standing spatial mode for photonic lanterns on a micro-scale (de-)multiplexer. The tiny photonic lantern was fabricated using a 3D nanoprinting technique using direct laser writing and applied directly to an optical fiber tip.
Photonic lantern devices convert between optical waves containing a superposition of modes or distorted wavefronts and a series of separated single-mode optical signals. The technology stands out as a promising candidate to enable Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) in future high-capacity optical communications networks, as well as in imaging and other applications that require the spatial manipulation of optical waves.
By harnessing the capabilities of 3D nanoprinting and using high-index contrast waveguides, the researchers have developed a compact and versatile device that can be printed with fine accuracy and high reliability on virtually any solid platform, making it seamless can be integrated into a variety of technological applications. contexts. The device at a scale of approximately 100 micrometers is in stark contrast to traditional photonic lanterns that are based on weakly conductive waveguides of millimeters to centimeters in length, making integration with microscale photonic systems very challenging.
× close to
Image of the tip of the fiber connector, with a small photonic lantern printed directly onto the fiber facet. Credit: Yoav Dana
“The development of this freestanding microscale photonic lantern spatial mode (de-)multiplexer represents a significant advance in our ability to enable and apply spatial multiplexing for diverse optical systems and applications,” said Professor Dan Marom. “This breakthrough makes space division multiplexing technology much more accessible and amenable to integration, opening up new possibilities for optical communications and imaging applications, to name a few.”
The researchers presented the device design using genetic algorithms, fiber tip fabrication and characterization of a six-mode mixing, 375 µm long photonic lantern capable of converting six single-mode inputs into a single six -mode waveguide. Despite its compact size, the device exhibits low insertion loss (-2.6 dB), low wavelength sensitivity, and low polarization and mode-dependent losses (-0.2 dB and -4.4 dB, respectively).
More information:
Yoav Dana et al., Free-standing microscale photonic lantern in spatial mode (De-)multiplexer fabricated using 3D nanoprinting, Light: science and applications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01466-6
Magazine information:
Light: science and applications