Power Flow in Multimode Graded-Index Microstructured Polymer Optical Fibers

Abstract

We investigate mode coupling in a multimode graded-index microstructured polymer optical fiber (GI mPOF) with a solid core by solving the time-independent power flow equation (TI PFE). Using launch beams with various radial offsets, it is possible to calculate for such an optical fiber the transients of the modal power distribution, the length Lc at which an equilibrium mode distribution (EMD) is reached, and the length zs for establishing a steady-state distribution (SSD). In contrast to the conventional GI POF, the GI mPOF explored in this study achieves the EMD at a shorter length Lc. The earlier shift to the phase of slower bandwidth decrease would result from the shorter Lc. These results are helpful for the implementation of multimode GI mPOFs as a part of communications and optical fiber sensory systems.

Coupling of Modes in Step-Index Plastic Optical Fibers by Using D-Shape Technique

“…After determining the variances, the values were subsequently inserted into Equation (2) to derive the modal coupling coefficient, as shown in Table 5. The values obtained for the D parameters are compatible with those of previous authors [7,25,28]. Figure 6a-g shows the experimental results of the output light power distribution of the POF ESKA SK40 without using the D shape for various input angles.…”

“…[17] Microstructured POF Designing the fiber with a specific pattern of air holes reduces the number of propagation modes, minimizing modal dispersion. [7] Strained POF Applying strain to the fiber enhances mode coupling, reducing dispersion. [25] Mandrel Wrap…”

“…A POF is mainly used in the visible spectrum region, although applications are also in the near-infrared region [1]. Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is the most common material used in the manufacturing of POFs [7,8] and presents typical values of attenuation in the visible spectrum; for example, in the red region at 650 nm, the attenuation is 130 dB/Km, which is much more significant than 0.2 dB/Km at 1550 nm for glass optical fibers (GOFs) [3].…”

“…To achieve high data rates in POFs, one must establish mode coupling and minimize modal dispersion [7,9]. By promoting a uniform energy distribution between the modes, mode coupling minimizes the effects of modal dispersion, which is a crucial limitation of the bandwidth of multimode fibers.…”

Optical Fibre-Based Sensors—An Assessment of Current Innovations

“…Since optical fibre is so widely used, multi-mode fibre (MMF) [ 38 ] and single-mode fibre (SMF) [ 39 ] have been combined into a single fibre structure to significantly lower the cost of sensing devices. Conversely, numerous special fibre structures with fabricating properties, a controllable mode, and ease of integration, including polymer optical fibre (POF) [ 40 ], multi-core fibre (MCF) [ 41 ], photonic crystal fibre (PCF) [ 42 ], and hollow core fibre (HCF) [ 43 , 44 , 45 ], among others, have been suggested and manufactured for a variety of plasmon detection purposes.…”