Spatial beam intensity shaping using phase masks on single-mode optical fibers fabricated by femtosecond direct laser writing

Submicrometer dielectric phase masks allow for the realization of the miniaturization of high-quality optical elements. In this Letter we demonstrate spatial intensity beam shaping using phase masks attached to optical single-mode fibers. The phase masks are directly fabricated onto the end facet of optical fibers using femtosecond two-photon direct laser writing, achieving, therefore, submicrometer alignment accuracy. We observe high-quality intensity patterns and find excellent agreement with simulations. Our results prove that 3D printing of diffractive micro-optics can achieve sufficient performance to enable compact devices. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America