Highly nonlinear hybrid AsSe-PMMA microtapers.

We report the fabrication and characterization of an AsSe microtaper with a protective cladding made of PolyMethyl MethAcrylate (PMMA). The AsSe core of the microtaper provides an ultrahigh nonlinearity up to gamma = 133 W(-1)m(-1) whereas the polymer cladding provides mechanical strength for normal handling of the device and reduces sensitivity to the surrounding environment.