Optically Induced Self-Excited Oscillations in an On-Fiber Optomechanical Cavity

Optically induced self-excited oscillations of suspended mirror of a fully on-fiber optomechanical cavity are experimentally demonstrated. The cavity is fabricated by patterning a suspended metallic mirror on the tip of an optical fiber and by introducing a static reflector in the fiber. We discuss the use of on-fiber optomechanical cavities for sensing applications. A theoretical analysis evaluates the sensitivity of the proposed sensor operating in the region of the self-excited oscillations. The results are compared with the experimental data and with the sensitivity that is achievable when the oscillations are driven by an external oscillatory force.