Semiconductor and dielectric microsphere based channel dropping filters and detectors

Abstract

Dielectric and semiconductor microspheres coupled to optical fibers are used for optical channel dropping in the infrared communication wavelengths of 810 and 1300 nm. Additionally, a dielectric microsphere coupled to an optical fiber and placed in close proximity to a silicon photodiode is used for resonant detection of communication signals at 810 nm. The observed resonances have quality factors of 100.000. The measured quality factors are limited by the sensitivity of the measurement setup. These optical resonances provide the necessary narrow linewidths that are needed for high resolution optical communication applications. The microsphere, optical fiber, and detector system shows promise as a building block for optoelectronic integration.