Fiber Optic Bragg Gratings

Coupled mode theory was used to model reflection fiber gratings. The effects of experimental parameters on grating characteristics were modeled for both uniform and non-uniform grating profiles using this approach. Fabrication of gratings in standard communication single mode fiber required an enhancement of the fiber's photosensitivity by way of high-pressure hydrogen treatment. The theory behind this technique as well as the experimental system used to treat the fibers was discussed. Once treated, the fibers were fabricated using a holographic approach. The performance of gratings fabricated by this method was then compared to theoretical predictions and was found to be in good agreement. Fiber grating shows great potential for use in RF photonic systems. Other in- house efforts are currently examining the use of fiber gratings in phased array radar beam steering systems.Air Force Research Lab Rome NY is the author of 'Fiber Optic Bragg Gratings', published 1998 under ISBN 9781423555858 and ISBN 1423555856.