Supercontinuum generation in a two-dimensional photonic kagome crystal

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Lasers and optics, 2005-07, Vol.81 (2-3), p.209-217
• Main Authors: Glas, P., Fischer, D., Steinmeyer, G., Husakou, A., Herrmann, J., Iliew, R., Skibina, N. B., Beloglasov, V. I., Skibina, Y. S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fibers; Lattices; Mathematical models; Photonics; Pumps; Solitons; Spectra; Two dimensional
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-005-1847-9

We demonstrate the generation of ultrabroad spectra in a photonic crystal fiber with a kagome-lattice transverse structure. This two-dimensional periodic photonic lattice allows for strong confinement of light without employing defect states nor using photonic bandgap guiding. Light guiding is mediated by total internal reflection in the intersections of the lattice structure, similar to tapered or micro-structured fibers. The kagome lattice structure is manufactured from a soft glass with a high nonlinearity. Using a Ti:sapphire oscillator as a pump source, we observe for the first time impressive supercontinuum generation in the guided modes of a 2D photonic lattice. Supercontinuum generation is caused by fission and radiation of higher-order solitons in the anomalous dispersion range. Our spectrum encompasses the spectral range from 200 to 1750 nm. The dependence of the continuum on coupling spot location, fiber length, and pump wavelength and power as well as on pulse duration and polarization state is investigated. Using a numerical simulation for the lattice structure, pulse propagation through this structure is theoretically studied. Our model reveals the mechanism of supercontinuuum generation in the 2D photonic structure and explains the essential experimental findings.