Advances in multicore optical fibres for endoscopy

Abstract

This thesis presents advances in the fabrication and application of multicoreoptical fibres, specifically pertaining to nonlinear endomicroscopy. Chapters 1and 2 present the necessary background material to understanding the resultspresented in chapters 3 and 4.Through chapter 1 the properties of optical fibres are described. The basicstructure of silica fibres and the parameters used to classify them are discussed.Typical methods of fabrication are outlined along with post fabrication processes.The experimental procedures required in the later stages of the thesis are alsocovered.Chapter 2 introduces and reviews nonlinear endoscopy. Various nonlinearprocess involved are described and the current positions of each in the field ofnonlinear imaging discussed.In chapter 3 a method for minimising the variation in group indices of coreswithin a multicore fibre is outlined, experimentally examined and verified. Theminimisation is achieved by specifically controlling the core diameters within themulticore fibre for a given wavelength.The fourth chapter introduces a ‘proof of concept’ method for reducing the bendsensitivity of a multicore fibre. Here a helical path is followed by the cores withinthe fibre. The specific challenges of fabrication are also described.

Date of Award	9 Mar 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Jonathan Knight (Supervisor)