Initiatory concept of localized CO2 laser-based tapering rig for realization of in-fiber devices

We present the development procedure as well as preliminary fabrication results for a CO2 laser-based tapering rig allowing one stage tapering of optical fibers. Our aim is to develop in-fiber devices constructed from fibers filled with various materials, which can be drawn from thick preforms using the presented procedure. The constructed tapering rig consists of a CO2 laser as the heating source, ellipsoid-based mirror optics, and computer-controlled high-precision motors. (C) 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.51.7.075002]