Power coupling in multicore optical fiber tapers utilizing out-cladding ferrofluids

Herein we present the experimental implementation of a power coupling device that combines the technology of tapered, multicore microstructured optical fibres (MOFs) with ferrofluidic overlayers. Power coupling between different cores of a tapered, multicore MOF is demonstrated, utilizing magneto-refraction effects induced by magnetic field stimulus into a ferrofluidic outcladding surrounding of the multicore optical fibre taper. By tapering the multicore all-solid MOF to a specific diameter, the excitation of all the adjacent cores through the central one is achieved. Transmission spectra measurements of the individual cores proved that light coupling between fiber cores can be manipulated by magnetic field stimulus. We anticipate that such a type of magneto-tunable power-coupling photonic device can find applications in optical magnetometry, imaging and optical communications.

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