Broadband generation of the first-order OAM modes in two-mode fiber by offset splicing and fiber rotating technology

Abstract

We demonstrate a simple, compact, and cost-effective all-fiber structure to generate the first-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes over a broad wavelength range. The offset splicing between a polarization-maintaining single mode fiber (PM-SMF) and a two-mode fiber (TMF) is adopted to excite LP11 mode in the TMF from LP01 mode in SMF. Then the OAM±1,1 modes are generated by rotating a customized fiber rotator, which can modulate the phase difference of the two degenerate LP11 modes (OAM±1,1 = LP11a ± i × LP11b). The interference phenomenon formed between OAM and Gaussian beams, which displays a fork-shape or spiral interference pattern, is used to confirm the generation of OAM modes. It should be noted that a PM fiber coupler and PM-SMFs are utilized in the experiment, which can avoid coupling of modes with orthogonal polarizations and then improves the OAM mode stability. Besides, the complexity of the OAM generation system is also reduced because the devices like polarization controller and half-wave plate are omitted by employing PM fibers. Based on this simple offset splicing and fiber rotating technology, the broadband generation of OAM±1,1 modes are experimentally demonstrated in wavelength range of 1530–1566 nm.