Abstract

Single-mode optical fibers are essential for high-data-rate lightwave communication systems. High-quality taps are needed on single-mode fibers for designing fiber-optical signal processors, interconnects, monitoring devices, and sensors. In this paper we describe how micrometer-scale taps are fabricated rapidly (milliseconds) on single-mode fibers by using a laser ablative etching technique. We discuss the technique, the characteristics of such taps, and how to change the spatial distribution of tap output by controlling the fabrication process.

© 1993 Optical Society of America