Open AccessAll-fiber stable orbital angular momentum beam generation and propagation
Author(s) -
Xiaobo Heng,
Jiulin Gan,
Zhishen Zhang,
Jiong Li,
Muqiao Li,
Hua Zhao,
Qi Qian,
Shanhui Xu,
Zhongmin Yang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.26.017429
Subject(s) - optics , angular momentum , physics , mode volume , single mode optical fiber , bandwidth (computing) , mode scrambler , multiplexing , multi mode optical fiber , graded index fiber , polarization maintaining optical fiber , optical fiber , radiation mode , plastic optical fiber , fiber optic sensor , computer science , telecommunications , quantum mechanics
An all-fiber scheme for stable orbital angular momentum (OAM) beam generation and propagation is proposed and demonstrated. This scheme is based on a self-designed and manufactured graded-index few mode fiber (GI-FMF) and compatible mode selection coupler (MSC). The MSC, which consists of a conventional single mode fiber (SMF) and the GI-FMF, can effectively couple the fundamental mode in the SMF to the desired OAM mode in the GI-FMF based on phase matching condition. Meanwhile, the GI-FMF breaks the degeneracy between the desired eigenmodes and neighboring vector modes, thereby allowing the preservation and propagation of the selectively excited OAM modes. As a proof-of-principle, we have implemented an all-fiber device operating in stable OAM modes with |l| = 1. The experimental results show stable propagation of OAM beams with the mode purity of ∼95% and bandwidth of 100 nm. This all fiber device could be useful for further development of wide bandwidth OAM mode division multiplexed application.