Low-Loss and Stable Light Transmission in Nano-Core Plus Node-Free Anti-Resonant Hollow-Core Fiber.

Abstract

Anti-resonant hollow-core fibers (AR-HCFs) are emerging as highly promising candidates for high-power laser transmission and low-loss optical communication. Despite their advantages, issues such as scattering loss and core-mode instability remain significant obstacles for their practical implementation. In this study, we propose a novel hybrid fiber structure, the nano-core plus node-free anti-resonant hollow-core fiber (NPNANF), which integrates a solid, high-index nano-core within a six-tube node-free anti-resonant cladding. This hybrid design effectively enhances optical confinement while minimizing scattering losses, without relying solely on anti-resonant guidance. Numerical simulations employing the beam propagation method (BPM) and finite element analysis (FEA) demonstrate that an optimal nano-core diameter of 600 nm leads to a remarkable reduction in transmission loss to 0.025 dB/km at 1550 nm, representing a 99.8% decrease compared to conventional NANF designs. A comprehensive loss model is developed, incorporating contributions from confinement, scattering, and absorption losses in both the hollow cladding and the solid core. Parametric studies further illustrate the tunability of the fiber's design for various high-performance applications. The proposed NPNANF achieves an ultra-low transmission loss of 0.025 dB/km, representing a >99.8% reduction compared to conventional NANF, while confining more than 92% of optical power within the nano-core. Its resistance to bending loss, strong modal stability, and balance between hollow-core and solid-core guidance highlight the advantages of NPNANF for long-haul optical communication and high-power photonics.