Adaptive control of waveguide modes in a two-mode-fiber

We experimentally demonstrate an adaptive-optics-based approach that allows selective excitation of waveguide modes and their mixtures in a two-mode fiber (TMF). A phase-only spatial light modulator is used for wavefront control, using feedback signals provided by the correlation between the experimentally measured field distribution and the desired mode profiles. Experimental results show the optical field within the TMF can be shaped to be pure linearly polarized (LP) modes or their combinations. Analysis shows selective mode excitation can be achieved using only 5 × 5 independent phase blocks. With proper feedback signals, this method should enable one to precisely control the optical field within any multimode fiber or other types of waveguides in real time.