Active Fiber Tips With Optoelectronic Integration: State-of-the-Art, Future Trends, and Challenges

The integration of conventional silica optical fibers with optoelectronic materials and electrical structures opens the door to miniaturized and multifunctional all-fiber optoelectronic systems with actively controllable capabilities. The flat endface of an optical fiber tip offers a naturally light-coupling microscopic platform for optoelectronic integration using optimized micro- and nano-fabrication techniques. In recent decades, the increasing demand for active fiber devices has created opportunities to develop various optoelectronic structures on fiber tips, from integrating high-performance single modules for specific applications to integrating multi-function multiple modules for more complex applications. In this paper, we review the rapid development of fiber-compatible fabrication technologies for building optoelectrical circuits on fiber endfaces. Then, we discuss the fast-progressing field of active fiber tips along with its wide applications, including photodetection, modulation, lasing, sensing, and light-emitting. Finally, we discuss challenges and opportunities for future development in this field. We believe that this scheme of active fiber tips will pave the way for next-generation ultracompact optical fiber systems with diverse optical and optoelectronic applications.

Automated summary

The integration of silica optical fibers with optoelectronic materials and electrical structures enables the development of miniaturized and multifunctional all-fiber optoelectronic systems. The flat endface of an optical fiber tip provides a platform for optoelectronic integration through micro- and nano-fabrication techniques. The rapid development of fiber-compatible fabrication technologies and the wide range of applications for active fiber tips, including photodetection, modulation, lasing, sensing, and light-emitting, are discussed in this paper. Challenges and opportunities for future development in this field are also addressed.