Welcome to Microstructure Optical Fiber Lab
advancing science of light for all
What we do in our lab:
- Computational photonics
- Advanced fiber design and characterization
- Energy-efficient and low-cost fiber sensors
- Smart fiber-based nonlinear devices
- Extreme light-matter interactions in fibers
We investigate next-generation optical fiber technologies that redefine how light travels. Our work centers on innovative hollow-core fibers: engineered with microscopic air channels that let light propagate
faster, over longer distances, and with exceptionally low loss. Through advanced microstructured designs, we aim to achieve ultra-low transmission loss, minimal latency, and broad bandwidth, opening new
possibilities for the future of high-speed communication, data networks, and beyond.
By combining theory, simulation, and experimental fabrication, we aim to understand the underlying physics of light propagation in complex fiber geometries. Our insights drive the development of practical fiber designs with transformative applications in AI data centers, quantum communication, ultrafast data transmission, advanced laser systems, fiber-optic sensing, and biomedical imaging.
We welcome collaborations with academic groups, industry partners, and students interested in shaping the next generation of photonic technologies.
By combining theory, simulation, and experimental fabrication, we aim to understand the underlying physics of light propagation in complex fiber geometries. Our insights drive the development of practical fiber designs with transformative applications in AI data centers, quantum communication, ultrafast data transmission, advanced laser systems, fiber-optic sensing, and biomedical imaging.
We welcome collaborations with academic groups, industry partners, and students interested in shaping the next generation of photonic technologies.
Research
Our research focuses on the design and numerical modeling of next-generation optical fibers with tailored microstructures for enhanced light confinement, dispersion control, and nonlinear performance. By combining computational simulations with theoretical analysis, we develop innovative fiber geometries to enable breakthroughs in sensing, communications, and high-power laser applications.
Optical fiber fabrication involves the precise creation of glass fibers that guide light with minimal loss. Using advanced techniques such as chemical vapor deposition and fiber drawing, high-purity silica preforms are heated and stretched into thin, flexible fibers that form the backbone of modern communication, sensing, and photonic technologies.
We focus on the modeling and fabrication of low-cost, energy-efficient fiber sensors designed for precise and scalable sensing applications. By combining advanced optical simulations with innovative fabrication techniques, our work aims to create sustainable fiber-based solutions for environmental, biomedical, industrial, and critical green-house gas emission monitoring.
We investigate extreme light–matter interactions in hollow-core fibers, where intense laser fields interact with gases or plasmas confined within microscopic channels. Our research explores new regimes of nonlinear optics, and ultrafast light control, advancing the frontiers of photonics and attosecond science.
Latest news
Dr. Habib presented an invited talk in ‘Anti-Resonant Hollow Core Fiber: The Hype, The Hope, The Headaches’ which was presented in March 15, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. The link of the talk here.
Dr. Habib has been invited to give a talk on HABANERO – Revolutionizing the Future of Optics with Hollow Core Fiberat the IEEE Summer Topticals. Date: 13-15 July, 2026, Tulum, Mexico. You can click here to know about the invited talk.
Featured journal articles
(2025).
Hollow-core breakthrough.
Nature Photonics 19, 1160 (2025).
(2024).
Enhanced inhibited mode-coupling: Multi-mode hollow-core anti-resonant fiber designs.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics 6, 1 (2024).
(2024).
Accurate loss prediction of realistic hollow-core anti-resonant fibers using machine learning.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics 6, 1 (2024).
(2023).
Random design variations of hollow-core anti-resonant fibers: a Monte-Carlo study.
IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics 30, 1 (2023).
(2023).
2.2 kW single-mode narrow-linewidth laser delivery through a hollow-core fiber.
Optica 10, 1253 (2023).