Fabrication and characterization of AgI/Ag hollow fibers for near-infrared lasers

AgI/Ag hollow fibers have found applications in mid- and far-infrared regions owing to the properties of low loss and high power capability. It has been a challenge to fabricate low-loss AgI/Ag hollow fiber in the near-infrared laser light. In this paper, we report on improvements of the fabrication technology. In order to coat a thin and smooth AgI film, ethanol was used as the solvent of iodine and the iodination process is carried out in low temperatures with high flow-rate of iodine solution. Low-loss AgI/Ag hollow fibers with various inner diameters were firstly obtained for 1 μm wavelength band. Fabrication parameters were discussed in detail and transmission properties were characterized.

► First report on low-loss property in the near infrared for AgI/Ag hollow fiber.
► Ethanol solvent, low iodination temperature, and high flow-rate for iodine solution.
► Detailed discussion on fabrication parameters for precise control and better AgI film formation.