Low-loss mid-infrared microstructured optical fibers

Mid-infrared (MIR) optical fibers are critical for applications such as environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics and chemical sensing. However, current optical fiber technologies are limited by the transmission window of silica optical fibers (0.3–2.5 µm), which severely constrains the advancement of MIR optical fiber technology. As a result, preventing their use in critical spectral regions such as the molecular “fingerprint” band (2–12 µm) and the atmospheric windows that are essential for gas-molecule sensing, military applications and aerospace operations. 

This research will explore chalcogenide and tellurite glass compositions with broad MIR transparency and engineer their microstructured geometries to minimize material and confinement losses.

Advanced numerical modeling will optimize parameters such as core size, air-hole arrangement, and pitch to achieve single-mode guidance and ultra-low attenuation. 

Fabrication will employ stack-and-draw or extrusion techniques, followed by rigorous characterization of attenuation, modal properties and mechanical stability. 

The expected outcome is a robust fiber platform enabling compact, flexible waveguides for next-generation sensing and spectroscopy systems.

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