Abstract
The use of a polymer fiber as a refractive index sensor is proposed. A fiber Bragg grating is inscribed near the fiber tip and the fiber is cut shorter thus creating a Fabry-Perot cavity. The reflections between the fiber Bragg grating and the fiber end-face create a Fabry-Perot interferometer. The sensor was characterized to refractive index changes at constant temperature and to temperature at constant refractive index using a fast Fourier transform analysis of the interference signal. The sensor revealed a sensitivity of-1. 94 RIU-1 with a resolution of lx10(-3)RITJ and low sensitivity to temperature, with a cross sensitivity to temperature of 3. 6x10(-4)RIU/degrees C.

Abstract
The possibility of using polymer fiber as a refractive index sensor is presented. The sensor is based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer formed at the tip of the polymer fiber. The interference is granted due to reflections between a fiber Bragg grating and the fiber end-face. The sensor was characterized to refractive index changes at constant temperature using a fast Fourier transform analysis of the interference signal. A sensitivity of -1.94 RIU-1 was achieved with a resolution of 1 x 10(-3) RIU and a cross sensitivity to temperature of 1 x 10(-4) RIU/degrees C

Abstract
Optical Y-junction power splitters owe their inherent broadband spectral behavior to their design. However, depending on the fabrication technique employed, asymmetries in the junction might arise, perturbing its performance; this is the case in femtosecond laser written Y-junctions where one arm is typically written over the top of the other. In this letter, the spectral behavior of Y-junctions fabricated in fused silica by the femtosecond laser direct writing technique was analyzed and optimized for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The junction arms output power balance as well as the corresponding spectral flatness between 1300 and 1600 nm is substantially increased by the implementation of an initial separation between the arms at the junction diverging point, enabling the manufacturing of balanced broadband Y-junctions.

Abstract
Femtosecond laser direct writing is a three dimensional fabrication technique that can be applied to produce integrated optical components with high spatial resolution or microfluidic channels when combined with HF etching. The same fabrication technique can thus be employed to produce monolithic optofluidic devices for sensing applications. One of the most common sensing schemes involves evanescent optical interaction; therefore, the channel must meet some requirements regarding surface roughness, which will depend on the laser writing conditions, as described in this paper. However, of more significance is the distance between waveguiding medium and microfluidic channel that must be accurately defined. This control can be achieved by monitoring the etching reaction of a waveguide grating written a few microns from the channel, as introduced in this paper. In addition to its function as an etching monitor, the grating can also be used as a coarse refractive index sensor device.

Abstract
Micromachining with femtosecond laser can be exploited to fabricate optical components and microfluidic channels in fused silica, due to internal modification of the glass properties that is induced by the laser beam. In this paper, we refer to the formation of microfluidic channels, where an optimization of the fabrication procedure was conducted by examining etch rate and surface roughness as a function of the irradiation conditions. Microfluidic channels with high and uniform aspect ratio and with smooth sidewalls were obtained, and such structures were successfully integrated with optical components. The obtained results set the foundations towards the development of new optofluidic devices.

Abstract
1xN (N=2, 3, 4) MMI power splitters were fabricated in a fused silica substrate by laser direct writing, using a focused 515 nm amplified femtosecond laser beam, and characterized at 1550 nm. To accomplish this, several low loss waveguides were fabricated side by side to form a multimode waveguide with the output in a polished facet of the substrate, while a single low loss waveguide was fabricated to inject light in the centre of the multimode waveguide. The performance of the fabricated devices was optimized by testing three different designs.