Distribution of light power and optical signals using embedded mirrors inside polymer optical fibers

Light and signal distributions through side-emitting ports along a polymer optical fiber are demonstrated using etched micro-mirrors. Low-cost serial and parallel mirror fabrication processes are described. Near uniform light distributions through as many as 200 such output ports along a single fiber was obtained. Back reflections of -19.4 dB and insertion loss of 0.7 dB were observed.