Optical levitation using single mode fibers and its application to self-centering of microlenses

Abstract : Optical levitation using single mode fibers has been experimentally demonstrated. The use of fibers in levitation experiments presents obvious advantages, in particular, concerning the case with which complicated optical paths can be realized without additional optical components. In addition the microsphere can be accurately deposited on the fiber end by simply controlling the optical guided power. This technique has been used to position microlenses self-centered on the guided mode to improve the coupling efficiency between a semiconductor laser and a single mode fiber.