Diameter limitations of microsphere and microbottle WGM microresonators fabricated using a low-cost fusion splicer

Mohd Farid, Sabrina and Mohd Yahaya, Nadrahtul Aqilah and Azahan, Siti Nurul Fatihah and Mohd Yusof, Muhammad Khudhori and Zulkifli, Mohd Zamani (2026) Diameter limitations of microsphere and microbottle WGM microresonators fabricated using a low-cost fusion splicer. Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 28 (5-6). pp. 216-224. ISSN 1454-4164 E-ISSN 1841-7132

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Abstract

This study investigates the diameter limitations and performance boundaries of microsphere and microbottle whispering gallery mode (WGM) microresonators fabricated using a low-cost fusion splicer. Diameter is a critical parameter governing mode confinement, free spectral range (FSR), and quality factor (Q), yet its practical limits under arc-discharge fabrication remain insufficiently explored. Both resonator types were fabricated from standard single-mode fibers using controlled electrical discharges and characterized via tapered fiber coupling. Microspheres are found to be constrained by thermal equilibrium, exhibiting saturation at 258.8 µm beyond 30 arc discharges, with high reproducibility (R² = 0.9657 and SD = 2.0 µm), a maximum Q-factor of 18,894, and an FSR of 2.44 nm. In contrast, microbottle resonators demonstrate linear and controllable radial growth to a maximum of 232.5 µm on the 50th discharges (R² = 0.9723), accompanied by reduced variability (SD from 4.84 µm to 0.97 µm). However, their diameter is ultimately limited by mechanical failure beyond 50 discharges. The microbottle geometry also exhibits axial contraction to 484.8 µm due to surface-tension-driven redistribution, resulting in a lower Q-factor (13,843) and narrower FSR (1.40 nm), while enabling enhanced axial mode control. These findings identify distinct limiting mechanisms which are thermal saturation for microspheres and structural failure for microbottles, providing a practical framework for optimizing WGM resonator design within low-cost fabrication environments.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) Microresonators, Microsphere, Microbottle, Fiber Fusion Splicer, Quality Factor (Q) and Free Spectral Range (FSR)
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Physics
Depositing User:	Dr M Z Zulkifli
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2026 12:49
Last Update:	28 Jul 2026 12:49
Queue Number:	2026-07-Q4062
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129925

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