Resonant channel-dropping filter with integrated detector system based on optical fiber coupler and microsphere

Abstract

Dielectric microspheres are used to resonantly couple light from an optical fiber half coupler to a large-area silicon photodetector. Dielectric microspheres possess high quality factor morphology-dependent resonances, i.e., whispering gallery modes. The observed resonances have a channel spacing of 0. 14 nm and a linewidth of 0.06 nm. These resonances provide the narrow linewidths necessary for high-resolution optical spectroscopy applications. Optical communication applications of this system are studied experimentally and theoretically.