On loss in silicon core optical fibers

Glass clad semiconductor core fibers have received much attention recently for their potential utility for nonlinear optics and infrared power delivery. As these fibers have progressed, it has become evident that a greater understanding as to the dominant sources of loss is needed. This work begins that discussion by investigating intrinsic and extrinsic sources of loss in silica glass clad crystalline silicon core optical fibers. Of particular interest are, to the best of our knowledge, the first lattice-fringe images of single and poly-crystalline regions of the silicon core optical fibers as well as scattering sources. Suggested herein are methods to further reduce the presence of impurities and defects that lead to scattering and dominate optical losses.