Planarized fiber-FHD optical composite

We demonstrate the fabrication of a mechanically robust planarised fibre-FHD optical composite. Fabrication is achieved through deposition and consolidation of optical grade silica soot on to both an optical fibre and planar substrate. The consolidated silica acts in joining the fibre and planar substrate both mechanically and optically. The concept lends itself to applications where long interaction lengths (order of tens of centimetres) and optical interaction via a planar waveguide are required, such as pump schemes, precision layup of fibre optics and hybrid fibre-planar devices. This paper considers the developments in fabrication process that enable component development.