Hollow core photonic crystal fiber optical guidance and applications

We give a historical perspective on the major results that led to the advent of the photonic bandgap guiding hollow core photonic crystal fiber (PBG HC-PCF) and to that of inhibited-coupling one (IC HC-PCF). We review the progress made on gas-filled HC-PCF and photonic microcells, along with their applications for coherent optics, Raman comb generation laser metrology, and discharge based lasers.