Selective Semiconductor Filling of Microstructured Optical Fibers

A novel selective filling technique has been developed for the patterning of semiconductor materials in microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) based on waveguide curing of epoxy filled capillary holes. The technique is compatible with the high pressures required for the semiconductor deposition and allows for quick and convenient selective filling, or coating, of complex designs in a range of MOF hole sizes and spacings. A variety of semiconductor filled MOFs have been demonstrated including the patterning of different materials within selected holes. The ability to selectively fill MOFs with multiple semiconductor materials is a step towards developing arrays of both passive and active all-fiber optoelectronic devices.