Selective mode multiplexer based on phase plates and Mach-Zehnder interferometer with image inversion function

Two-lens anisotropic image-inversion system for interferometric information processing

Interferometric image processing systems based on image inversion normally use multiple paths with inversion mirrors. Since such systems must meet strict requirements of alignment and stability, a common-path implementation using polarization channels and six anisotropic optical elements was recently introduced. We demonstrate here the operation of a common-path polarization-based image-inversion interferometeric system using only two anisotropic lenses. Applications such as spatial parity analysis and image centroid measurements are examined theoretically and demonstrated experimentally.

Analysis of angular dispersion induced by wavefront rotation in nanosecond optical parametric chirped pulse amplification

Angular dispersion observed in a nanosecond optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (ns-OPCPA) amplifier adopted in the frontend of a multi-PW laser was analyzed. The theory on the angular dispersion, extended by including the wavefront rotation and the pulse front tilt of a strongly chirped laser pulse, revealed that the wavefront rotation is a major contributor to the angular dispersion, as compared to the pulse front tilt, in a ns-OPCPA amplifier. It was also shown that the wavefront rotation could be introduced by the phase mismatch and the noncollinear propagation angle in the noncollinear ns-OPCPA amplifier. The theoretical prediction was experimentally verified by measuring the angular dispersion of the ns-OPCPA frontend installed in the 20-fs, 4-PW Ti:Sapphire laser. We emphasize the importance of the proper characterization and control of the angular dispersion in the ns-OPCPA amplifier since the focus intensity of an ultrahigh power laser could be significantly reduced due to the spatiotemporal effect even for small induced angular dispersion.

High-order mode conversion in a few-mode fiber via laser-inscribed long-period gratings at 1.55 µm and 2 µm wavebands

We demonstrate high-order mode conversion in a few-mode fiber (FMF) via CO₂ laser inscribed long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) at both the 1.55 µm and 2 µm wavebands. At the 1.55 µm waveband, five high-order core modes (the LP₁₁, LP₂₁, LP₀₂, LP₃₁, and LP₁₂ modes) can be coupled from the LP₀₁ mode with high efficiency by the FMF-LPFGs. The orbital angular momentum beams with different topological charges (±1,±2,±3) are experimentally generated by adjusting the polarization controllers. At the 2 µm waveband, three high-order modes (the LP₁₁, LP₂₁, and LP₀₂ mode) can be coupled by the FMF-LPFGs with different grating periods. The proposed LPFG-based mode converters could have a potential prospects in mode-division multiplexing and multiwindow broadband optical communication applications.

General silicon-on-insulator higher-order mode converter based on substrip dielectric waveguides

A general silicon mode-converter waveguide that converts a fundamental mode to any higher-order mode is proposed. Specifically, dielectric substrip waveguides are inserted in the fundamental mode propagation path so that the conversion is done directly in the same propagation waveguide, without coupling the power into another waveguide as it happens in traditional mode converters. The device has a very small footprint compared to traditional converters. A mathematical model is developed to determine the design parameters of the used dielectric material and analyze the whole performance of the proposed device. Both the effective index method (EIM) and the perturbative mode-coupled theory are used in our mathematical analysis to get exact values for both the coupling coefficient and the length of the used dielectric material, so as to ensure a maximum coupled power transfer to the higher-order mode. In addition, full vectorial 3D-FDTD simulations are performed to validate our mathematical model. Our results show good agreement between the approximate EIM method and accurate full vectorial 3D-finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations in characterizing the device parameters and performance. In order to validate the design model, two mode converters are simulated, fabricated, and tested for converting a fundamental TE₀ mode into both first- and second-order (TE₁ and TE₂) modes, respectively. Good insertion losses and low crosstalks are obtained. Good agreement between simulated and fabricated results are achieved.

A common-path polarization-based image-inversion interferometer

We present a collinear, common-path image-inversion interferometer using the polarization channels of a single optical beam. Each of the channels is an imaging system of unit magnification, one positive and the other negative (inverted). Image formation is realized by means of a set of anisotropic lenses, each offering refractive power in one polarization and none in the other. The operation of the interferometer as a spatial-parity analyzer is demonstrated experimentally by separating even- and odd-order orbital angular momentum modes of an optical beam. The common-path configuration overcomes the stability issues present in conventional two-path interferometers.

Scaling photonic lanterns for space-division multiplexing

We present a new technique allowing the fabrication of large modal count photonic lanterns for space-division multiplexing applications. We demonstrate mode-selective photonic lanterns supporting 10 and 15 spatial channels by using graded-index fibres and microstructured templates. These templates are a versatile approach to position the graded-index fibres in the required geometry for efficient mode sampling and conversion. Thus, providing an effective scalable method for large number of spatial modes in a repeatable manner. Further, we demonstrate the efficiency and functionality of our photonic lanterns for optical communications. Our results show low insertion and mode dependent losses, as well as enhanced mode selectivity when spliced to few mode transmission fibres. These photonic lantern mode multiplexers are an enabling technology for future ultra-high capacity optical transmission systems.

Tunable arbitrary unitary transformer based on multiple sections of multicore fibers with phase control

In this paper, we propose a novel tunable unitary transformer, which can achieve arbitrary discrete unitary transforms. The unitary transformer is composed of multiple sections of multi-core fibers with closely aligned coupled cores. Phase shifters are inserted before and after the sections to control the phases of the waves in the cores. A simple algorithm is proposed to find the optimal phase setup for the phase shifters to realize the desired unitary transforms. The proposed device is fiber based and is particularly suitable for the mode division multiplexing systems. A tunable mode MUX/DEMUX for a three-mode fiber is designed based on the proposed structure.

Volume holographic spatial mode demultiplexer with a dual-wavelength method

Volume holographic demultiplexers (VHDMs) provide spatial mode demultiplexing using simple optical systems. However, applying VHDM to practical optical communication systems is difficult, as typical holographic media have no sensitivity in the infrared region, which includes optical transmission bands. In this paper, we propose a VHDM scheme combined with a dual-wavelength method (DWM). Using the DWM, VHDMs are able to perform mode demultiplexing in the optical transmission bands. We experimentally demonstrated the basic operation of our proposal using experiments performed at an 850-nm wavelength. In addition, we performed numerical simulations to investigate the application of VHDM to the C-band.

Ion-exchanged binary phase plates for mode multiplexing in graded-index optical fibers

Few-mode graded-index optical fibers are being increasingly relevant in spatial division multiplexing. Likewise, multi-region binary phase plates are fundamental elements for some mode multiplexing schemes in such optical fibers. In this work, we propose a coupling configuration for mode multiplexing based on collimating-focusing graded-index lenses together with binary phase plates, and calculate, in a fully analytical and quasi-analytical way, the theoretical conversion efficiencies and crosstalks between the fields generated by such plates and the Laguerre-Gaussian modes. These modes describe, directly or by a linear combination of them, the first optical modes of many graded-index optical fibers. The results obtained provide both the illumination conditions of the plates and their optical characteristics. The fabrication of the plates is made by using ion-exchange technology and their optical characterization by beam profilometry. The experimental conversion efficiencies are in agreement with the theoretical results.

Interferometric space-mode multiplexing based on binary phase plates and refractive phase shifters

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) that includes in an arm either a reflective image inverter or a Gouy phase shifter (RGPS) can (de)multiplex many types of modes of a few mode fiber without fundamental loss. The use of RGPSs in combination with binary phase plates for multiplexing purposes is studied for the first time, showing that the particular RGPS that shifts π the odd modes only multiplexes accurately low order modes. To overcome such a restriction, we present a new exact refractive image inverter, more compact and flexible than its reflective counterpart. Moreover, we show that these interferometers remove or reduce the crosstalk that the binary phase plates could introduce between the multiplexed modes. Finally, an experimental analysis of a MZI with both an approximated and an exact refractive image inverter is presented for the case of a bimodal multiplexing. Likewise, it is proven experimentally that a RGPS that shifts π/2 demultiplexes two odd modes which can not be achieved by any image inverter.

Spatial mode multiplexing/demultiplexing by Gouy phase interferometry

We present a theoretical study about spatial mode multiplexing/demultiplexing (mux/demux) without theoretical losses by means of interferometry with selective control of the Gouy phase of optical beams, that is, Gouy phase interferometry (GPI). Different Gouy phase values can be obtained by inserting appropriate optical systems at each arm of an interferometer. Thus, spatial mode mux/demux operations of strategic interest in optical communications with few-mode optical fibers are implemented by means of constructive interference and regardless of the parity and separability of the optical beams. Consequently, unachievable mux/demux by interferometry based on image inversion methods becomes possible with GPI. This kind of operation can also be interesting for optical sensors, optical metrology, image processing, and so on.

Chromatic characterization of ion-exchanged glass binary phase plates for mode-division multiplexing

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) in few-mode fibers is regarded as a promising candidate to increase optical network capacity. A fundamental element for MDM is a modal transformer to LP modes which can be implemented in a free-space basis by using multiregion phase plates, that is, LP plates. Likewise, several wavelengths have to be used due to wavelength multiplexing purposes, optical amplification tasks, and so on. In this work we show that efficient monolithic binary phase plates for different wavelengths can be fabricated by ion-exchange in glass and used for MDM tasks. We introduce an optical characterization method of the chromatic properties of such phase plates which combines the inverse Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (IWKB) together with Mach-Zehnder and Michelson-based interferometric techniques. The interferometric method provides a measurement of the phase step for several wavelengths, which characterizes the chromatic properties of the phase plate. Consequently, it is shown that the IWKB method allows us to design and characterize the phase plates in an easy and fast way.