Spatiotemporal Control of Light Transmission through a Multimode Fiber with Strong Mode Coupling

Abstract

We experimentally generate and characterize the eigenstates of the Wigner-Smith time-delay matrix, called principal modes, in a multimode fiber with strong mode coupling. The unique spectral and temporal properties of principal modes enable a global control of the temporal dynamics of optical pulses transmitted through the fiber, despite random mode mixing. Our analysis reveals that the well-defined delay time of the eigenstates are formed by multi-path interference, which can be effectively manipulated by the spatial degrees of freedom of the input wavefront. This study is essential to controlling the dynamics of wave scattering, paving the way for coherent control of pulse propagation through complex media.

Wavefront shaping in multimode fibers by transmission matrix engineering

“…One of the most promising approaches for unscrambling the transmitted information is by shaping the optical wavefront at the proximal end of the fiber in order to get a desired output at the distal end. Demonstrations include compensation of modal dispersion [3][4][5], focusing at the distal end [6][7][8][9][10], and delivering images [11][12][13] or an orthogonal set of modes [14,15] through the fiber.…”

Coherent Wave Propagation in Multimode Systems with Correlated Noise

“…Optical fibers have revolutionize many modern technologies ranging from medical imaging and information-transfer technologies to modern communications. Along these lines, multi-mode fibers (MMFs) [13][14][15][16] have recently been exploited as alternatives to single mode fibers-the latter experiencing information capacity limitations, imposed by amplifier noise and fiber non-linearities. What makes MMFs attractive is the possibility to utilize the multiple modes as extra degrees of freedom in order to carry additional information -thus increasing the information capacity of a single fiber.…”

Diffusion in Translucent Media

“…Thus, the width of F 1 (x/ The scaling of t D , shown as the blue squares, is similar to the scaling of t 1 for diffusive waves L)/F 1 (1/2) would indicate the dominance of the transport through either isolated states or necklace states for localized waves. The existence of both single peaked localized states and multiply peaked necklace states has been observed in layered media 46 , single mode waveguides 47 , natural materials 48 , and can be created in multimode optical fiber with mode coupling 49 . It is also of great interest to explore the disposition of energy within thin anisotropic scattering media, of importance in biomedical research 50 .…”