Kenneth Peter Oakley

Loss and spectral control in fused tapered couplers

The loss and spectral characteristics of fused tapered coupiers depend, respectively, on the taper transition rate and on the size, shape, and length of the coupler waist region. We show how the choice of the fusing and tapering burner is critical in optimizing the behavior of three different coupler types: the single-wavelength splitter, the wavelength division multiplexer, and the wavelength-independent coupler.

A Simple Model for the Shape of Fibre Tapers

A model for the shape of optical fibre tapers is presented which avoids any need for the techniques of fluid mechanics. A theoretical procedure for producing any given shape of taper is described, together with a practical system capable of realising the model’s predictions. A complete procedure for the formation of fibre tapers with any reasonable shape is thus presented.