Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio

Technology Development and Service Unit

Welcome to the TDSU Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio

Our group focuses on the innovative design and fabrication of photonic crystal and microstructured fibers. Our work explores new realms of fiber optics, with applications spanning from fundamental research to practical technologies. By meticulously controlling the fabrication process, we aim to produce fibers with unique properties that can address specific scientific challenges.

This endeavor not only furthers our understanding of light and its interactions with matter, but also has the potential to revolutionize industries through advancements in novel laser types, communication, sensing, and medical technology. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with fiber optics underscores the relevance and importance of our research to both the scientific community and society.

Scientific & technological potential

In the realm of photonics, photonic crystal and microstructured fibers are increasingly proving to be indispensable tools for guiding and manipulating light. Our research delves into optimizing these fibers to enhance light-matter interactions, pushing the boundaries of what is currently achievable in fiber optics.

For example, we pioneered the drawing of chiral photonic crystal fibers to make circularly birefringent fibers that suppress noise in supercontinuum generation. We have made significant strides in developing in-line characterization of the fiber microstructure, achieving unprecedented control over the fiber properties. This has also enabled making hollow-core fibers that guide ultraviolet light undamaged while delivering light of high beam quality, something that commercially-available fibers cannot do.

Our vision extends toward leveraging these advancements in microstructured fibers for innovative applications, including quantum computing and medical diagnostics, heralding a new era in science and technology.

Contact

TDSU Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio Michael Frosz

Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Staudtstr. 2
91058 Erlangen, Germany

michael.frosz@mpl.mpg.de

+49 9131 7133 219

TDSU leader Michael Frosz

"Practically every optical lab, and many industrial laser manufacturers and users, can benefit from having an application-specific optical fiber with a carefully designed microstructure. Our long experience with an extremely broad range of fiber designs means we can deliver such unique fibers."

Preparation of a Stack

A stack of hollow glass tubes of a few mm diameter, with supports (labelled in different colours) at the end of the stack.

Starting the fibre drawing

After heating the preform to more than 2000 °C, the bottom part drops out of the furnace, is cut off, and then the fibre drawing can be initiated.

Inspecting the fibre microstructure

During fibre drawing, samples are collected and inspected in a microscope.

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