Highly efficient compact acousto-optic modulator based on a hybrid-lattice hollow core fiber

TL;DR

This paper introduces a highly efficient, compact acousto-optic modulator using a hybrid-lattice hollow core fiber that significantly improves modulation efficiency and miniaturization compared to traditional fiber-based devices.

Contribution

The study demonstrates for the first time the acousto-optic modulation of a hybrid-lattice hollow core fiber, achieving the highest modulation efficiency among reduced diameter fiber devices.

Findings

Achieved a modulation efficiency of 1.3 dB/V with HL-HCF.

Demonstrated a compact modulator with driver dimensions smaller than the fiber.

Enhanced acoustic wave amplification and optical mode modulation using hybrid lattices.

Abstract

We demonstrate the acousto-optic modulation of a hybrid-lattice hollow core fiber (HL-HCF) for the first time. For many years, optical fibers with reduced diameters have been the main solution to increase the interaction of acoustic and optical waves. However, the high drive voltages and large modulator components still employed drastically affect the efficiency and miniaturization of these devices. Here, we experimentally show that combining Kagom\'e and tubular lattices in HL-HCFs allows for enhancing the amplification of the acoustic waves and the modulation of the guided optical modes thus providing high modulation efficiency even when using a fiber with a 240 um diameter. To the best of our knowledge, the measured HL-HCF's modulation efficiency (1.3 dB/V) is the highest compared to devices employing reduced diameter fibers. Additionally, we demonstrate a compact acousto-optic modulator with driver dimensions smaller than the HL-HCF diameter. Overall, our results show a promising alternative to solve the compromise of speed, efficiency, and compactness for integration with microscale all-fiber photonic devices.