Mode tailoring in subwavelength-dimensional semiconductor micro/nanowaveguides by coupling optical microfibers

Benefitted from large fraction of evanescent wave and high endface reflectivity, we have realized mode tailoring in subwavelength-dimensional semiconductor micro/nanowaveguides (MN-WGs) by coupling optical silica microfibers. By investigating the reflection spectra, it was found that the microfiber tips could offer effective reflection and can been used to continuously and reversibly tune the interference wavelengths by changing the contact points with the MN-WGs. The measured extinction ratio in the interference patterns was as high as ∼10 dB. In addition, tunable free spectral range of photoluminescence emissions and humidity sensing were also demonstrated. Its advantages of non-destructively tuning, simple fabrication, easy interrogation, and remote monitoring, offer great possible prospects for developing miniature tunable lasers, sensors, and biological endoscopy.