Multi-Hole Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Guiding Light in Subwavelength Air Holes

We present a novel multi-hole core photonic crystal fiber for guiding and confining light in subwavelength-diameter low-refractive-index air holes of core, even when light is guided based on total internal reflection. The low-loss, broadband and single-mode guiding properties of the fiber are studied. The propagation mechanism in subwavelength and low-refractive-index holes is analyzed by evanescent wave coupling. Light confinement and enhancement are caused by large discontinuity of the electric field at dielectric interfaces. Multiple subwavelength air holes in the core can guide light together, coupling and coherent with each other. Arrays of air holes in the core can be used as a means of patterning light on a submicrometer regime. The high light intensity in multiple long holes enables a variety of applications in nonlinear light management, optical modulation, and gas sensing.