Fabrication of single-mode fibre optic Fabry-Perot interferometers using fusion spliced titanium dioxide optical coatings

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Abstract
Techniques are described for the deposition of titanium dioxide coatings onto the end face of single-mode optical fibres by thermal and electron beam evaporation. The absorption and reflectivities of the coatings were measured, and maximum reflectivities of 32% were achieved. Coated fibre ends were fusion spliced to similar, but uncoated, fibres using an electric arc. Optimum parameters for the arc were determined, thus yielding reflective splices having reflectivities of up to 25% and tensile strengths of 9 N. These reflective splices were used to form fibre optic Fabry-Perot interferometers yielding visibilities of up to 92%. Application of these reflective splices and interferometers as physical sensors is discussed.