Abstract
A new type of hollow glass waveguide has been fabricated that transmits radiation from visible to infrared wavelengths with low loss. The broadband transmission is achieved with a structure consisting of two distinct core regions; a silica annulus for transmission of wavelengths from 0.3 to 2.0 mm and a hollow core for transmission from 2.0 to 12.0 mm. Losses in the silica core at 633 nm are 0.3 dB/m. Losses in the 575-mm bore hollow core at 10.6 μm are 0.6 dB/m. Bending loss is negligible for radiation transmitted in the solid silica core, whereas the hollow guide loss exhibits a 1/R dependence. The dual-core waveguide can transmit broadband radiation, is rugged and flexible, and therefore, is a good candidate for medical or sensor applications.
© 1996 Optical Society of America
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