Single-mode optical fiber couplers made of fluoride glass

Abstract

We demonstrate the first single-mode optical fiber couplers made with ZBLAN optical fiber. Couplers are fabricated using a controlled tapering procedure enabling high reproducibility while limiting glass crystallization. A coupling ratio of up to 41%/59% in cross/through ports with an excess loss of 2.5 dB is obtained at a wavelength of 2.73 μm. In addition, the stability of a coupler with traces of surface crystallization is tested at ambient atmosphere over a period of more than 90 days.