Background loss minimization in arc-induced long-period fiber gratings

We demonstrate the minimization of background loss for arc-induced long-period fiber gratings in standard fiber by Taguchi's optimization method. We use Taguchi's method to determine the optimum values for parameters like electric-arc power, arc duration, and tensile strain applied over the fiber during the inscription process. With these optimal parameters, we minimize the background loss resulting from the geometrical deformations of the fiber. The experimental results show that background loss can be reduced from more than 1 dB to less than 0.3 dB at rejection bands with isolation >15 dB. (C) 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. [DOI: 10.1117/1.3447920]