Mode Splitting Based on Polarization Manipulation in Few-Mode Fiber

Abstract

We report a mode splitting technique for LP 01 and LP 11 modes based on polarization manipulation in a few-mode fiber (FMF) by using a three-paddle two-mode fiber polarization controller (TMPC). In the characterization test, LP 01 and LP 11 modes are simultaneously excited in a two-mode fiber (TMF) based on core-offset splicing technique. By employing the TMPC, the LP 01 and LP 11 modes in the TMF are aligned into two perpendicular polarization states and then separated by a polarizing beam splitter (PBS). The output LP 01 and LP 11 modes from the PBS have high mode extinction ratio (>30 dB), good power stability (≤0.5 dB), and stable mode profile position over the wavelength range of 1530-1560 nm (C-band). The proposed technique is a simple and efficient method for mode manipulation and management in various space-division multiplexing applications.