The high cost of current technology inhibits the expansion of broadband data communications to and from the home. As light propagates along an optical fibre, local anomalies within the glass core will scatter light in all directions. The same scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere causes the sky to be blue. This problem can be solved easily by placing an optical isolator in front of the laser to prevent the scattered light from entering the laser, but these optical isolators are expensive. Sam Ashby has been working on more fundamental issues associated with photosensitivity in fibre couplers.
Couplers are vital components used to split and join light signals in optical fibre networks.
She has conducted experiments involving the exposure of optical fibre to UV-light at two different wavelengths using lasers. This induces a refractive index change in the glass causing a change in the characteristics of the couplers. Sam has observed a shift in the spectral response of the coupler due to the induced change in coupling characteristics. Sam's work can assist companies to be innovative and ahead of the market through the development of new products for optical communications networks. Sam's work is supported by AOFR Pty Limited, an innovative company which manufactures and markets photonic devices for the global market.