title: Fusion splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers and single-mode fibers by repeated arc discharges.
abstract: We demonstrate a novel method for low-loss splicing small-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) and single-mode fibers (SMFs) by repeated arc discharges using a conventional fusion splicer. An optimum mode field match at the interface of PCF-SMF and an adiabatic mode field variation in the longitudinal direction of the small-core PCF can be achieved by repeated arc discharges applied over the splicing joint to gradually collapse the air holes of the small-core PCF. This method is simple and offers a practical solution for light coupling between small-core PCFs and SMFs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong. xiaolimin.ee@polyu.edu.hk
authors.forename: Limin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Demokan