Lensed photonic crystal fiber obtained by use of an arc discharge.

A lensed photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is proposed as an effective element for an optical free-space interconnector. By simultaneously forming a beam-expansion region and a focusing lens on a single piece of PCF, effective coupling between PCFs could be achieved. A long working distance of up to 1 mm with wide longitudinal and lateral tolerances was measured. The optical characteristics of the lensed PCFs and the connectors made from them are analyzed experimentally and theoretically.