Low-loss high-strength microstructured fiber fusion splices using GRIN fiber lenses

Gradient-index fiber lenses are used to fabricate high-strength (>100 kpsi) low-loss fusion splices between two microstructured optical fibers (as low as 0.40 dB) or between a microstructured fiber and a conventional optical fiber (as low as 0.44 dB). This approach overcomes the deleterious effects of heat-induced air-hole collapse, which has until now been an important limitation when fusion splicing microstructured optical fibers.