Silicon core fibers—From fabrication to applications

This tutorial reviews silicon core fibers: a platform that unites fiber optics and silicon photonics. The timing is such that it celebrates a remarkable syzygy: the 60th anniversary of the foundational paper that drove modern fiber communications, the 40th anniversary of silicon photonics, and the 20th anniversary of the first practical silicon core fibers. Included herein is a brief history of silicon core fibers, detailed discussions of the various fabrication methods that have been trialed, and interactions that arise during or following fabrication. The properties and performance of silicon core fibers also are discussed and, where possible, compared with their on-chip counterparts. Particular focus is placed on their potential use in various applications, such as optical modulators, wavelength conversion, amplification, in-fiber junctions and diodes, photovoltaic fibers, and sensors/wearable structures. The tutorial concludes with topics for future exploration and remaining challenges for this technology.