title: Low-loss and low-bend-sensitivity mid-infrared guidance in a hollow-core-photonic-bandgap fiber.
abstract: Hollow-core-photonic-bandgap fiber, fabricated from high-purity synthetic silica, with a wide operating bandwidth between 3.1 and 3.7 μm, is reported. A minimum attenuation of 0.13 dB/m is achieved through a 19-cell core design with a thin core wall surround. The loss is reduced further to 0.05 dB/m following a purging process to remove hydrogen chloride gas from the fiber-representing more than an order of magnitude loss reduction as compared to previously reported bandgap-guiding fibers operating in the mid-infrared. The fiber also offers a low bend sensitivity of <0.25 dB per 5 cm diameter turn over a 300 nm bandwidth. Simulations are in good agreement with the achieved losses and indicate that a further loss reduction of more than a factor of 2 should be possible by enlarging the core using a 37-cell design.
authors.forename: Natalie V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Heidt
authors.forename: Naveen K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Baddela
authors.forename: Eric Numkam
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Fokoua
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Seyed R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Sandoghchi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Poletti
authors.forename: Marco N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Petrovich
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Richardson
mesh_terms: D006851:Hydrochloric Acid; D007259:Infrared Rays; D055100:Optical Fibers; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D017785:Photons; D012825:Silicon
chemical_list: D006851:Hydrochloric Acid; D012825:Silicon