Two-dimensional high-precision fiber waveguide arrays for coherent light propagation

Fiber waveguide arrays can be applied as a very useful tool for the investigation of effects in discrete optics. The observation of coherent propagation in such discrete waveguide arrays requires, however, high structural precision and great material homogeneity. The fabrication of such a fiber array with close tolerances compared to conventional fiber technology is discussed. Linear propagation effects are modeled for an ideal fiber waveguide array and are compared with experimental results. The good agreement of these results with each other indicates the applicability of such fiber waveguide arrays in studying linear and non- linear properties in discrete optics. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America.