Light field imaging through a single multimode fiber for OAM-multiplexed data transmission

Abstract

Multimode fibers (MMFs) can support a large number of spatial modes, increasing the amount of transmitted information, a feature that benefits fields such as endoscopic imaging or optical communications. However, the transport of information encoded in the phase through a standard MMF has not been achieved due to strong mode coupling, hindering direct data transfer using light beams endowed with orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here, we present a computational light field imaging technique to achieve OAM-multiplexed transmission through a commercial MMF. Such a technique enables the retrieval of the incident field from the speckle intensity at the distant end of the fiber. Based on the recovered field, the extraction of the transferred data by addressing all the OAM channels can be achieved. Experimentally, light field imaging through a MMF is demonstrated by recovering a structured light field and a phase picture. For optical transmission, the crosstalk between OAM channels is tested first, and then we demonstrate high-fidelity image data transfer via 24 multiplexed OAM channels through a commercial MMF.