Polarization dependent loss of arc-induced long-period fibre gratings

We have investigated the polarization properties of long-period fibre gratings fabricated using the electric arc technique. It was found that the choice of the fabrication parameters (electric current, arc duration and pulling tension) affects the polarization dependent loss of the produced gratings. In particular, a non-monotonic dependence on the external pulling tension was obtained. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.