OZ Optics Ltd. Directional Fiber Optic Power Monitors in Specialty Fiber

OZ Optics says its power taps are produced by femtosecond laser writing of waveguides directly inside optical fibers. Combined with a localized pre-modification of photonic crystal fibers, this technique can couple light from the fiber core to a cladding waveguide for a stable and reliable power tap that can be packaged with photosensitive electronics for continuous monitoring of throughput power without any external manipulation of light.

The process taps light from within a very short fiber segment without the use of any free-space optical components or splicing methods and with minimum disruption to the fundamental fiber structure. This is key for maintaining the original fiber properties. OZ asserts this method can be used in a variety of materials and fiber types to produce a truly in-fiber integrated solution for continuous in-situ monitoring of optical power.

This worldwide patented (including China) technology can be applied to specialty fibers where the fiber internal structure poses challenges to competing technologies. OZ says the power monitor in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is the only product in the market capable of taping light from a PCF and is currently used for power feedback of supercontinuum sources.

Judge's comment: "This line of products appears to offer monitoring and tapping technology for all fiber types in a compact form factor. This technology will enable the use of new and emerging fiber types such as photonic crystal fiber."

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