Abstract
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.
© 2017 Optical Society of America
Full Article | PDF ArticleMore Like This
Xesús Prieto-Blanco, Carlos Montero-Orille, Vicente Moreno, Eduardo F. Mateo, and Jesús Liñares
Appl. Opt. 54(11) 3308-3314 (2015)
Carlos Montero-Orille, Vicente Moreno, Xesús Prieto-Blanco, Eduardo F. Mateo, Ezra Ip, José Crespo, and Jesús Liñares
Appl. Opt. 52(11) 2332-2339 (2013)
Jesús Liñares, Xesús Prieto-Blanco, Vicente Moreno, Carlos Montero-Orille, Dolores Mouriz, María C. Nistal, and David Barral
Opt. Express 25(10) 10925-10938 (2017)