Low-loss optical modes guided in Bragg fiber arrays

In this paper, the ability of Bragg fiber array to guide optical mode is investigated theoretically. Simulation shows that Bragg fiber array can be looked as a good waveguide to guide inter-fiber modes, which are supported by the external reflection of the 1-D photonic crystal claddings of the Bragg fibers. The mechanism of leakage loss of the inter-fiber is analyzed, showing that the TM01-like mode has the lowest leakage loss and less than 1dB/m leakage loss can be achieve under the wavelength of 10.6μm. As an open waveguide or 2-D microcavity, the Bragg fiber array has wide potential applications including processes of interaction between light and atoms or molecules.