Laser Chemistry 
Volume 2008 (2008), Article ID 416251, 20 pages
doi:10.1155/2008/416251
Review Article

Induced Bragg Gratings in Optical Fibers and Waveguides Using an Ultrafast Infrared Laser and a Phase Mask

Stephen J. Mihailov, Dan Grobnic, Christopher W. Smelser, Ping Lu, Robert B. Walker, and Huimin Ding

 Optical Communications and Electrophotonics Group, Communications Research Centre Canada, 3701 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K2H 8S2, Canada
Received 26 March 2008; Accepted 22 April 2008

Recommended by Saulius Juodkazis

Abstract

Since its development in 2003, the technique of Bragg grating inscription in optical fibers and waveguides with ultrafast infrared radiation and a phase mask has proven to be as simple as the standard UV-laser grating writing techniques but far more versatile. The ultrafast IR laser-based process allows for the creation of grating structures in glassy and crystalline materials that are not typically UV photosensitive. In this article, we will review the studies that have been performed at the Communications Research Centre Canada on the grating formation processes as well as applications of the ultrafast laser technique to fabricate gratings in various optical fibers and waveguides.