Mode multiplexer for multimode transmission in multimode fibers

We have numerically demonstrated an efficient mode multiplexer which can tailor the input field patterns by using a phase controller and a mode coupler formed by four single-mode fibers (SMFs). By connecting the mode multiplexer to a multimode fiber (MMF), two orthogonal higher-order modes of the MMF can be simultaneously excited to form two communication channels. The simulated results show that very low modal interference between the two excited modes can be achieved by using the proposed mode multiplexer. We have also discussed the effect of the distance and size of the SMFs in the mode coupler on the performance of the proposed mode multiplexer. (C)2011 Optical Society of America