Abstract Polarization dynamics in multimode optical fibers (MMFs) play a key role in applications ranging from high-capacity communication to distributed sensing. However, most approaches probe only a single polarization state, limiting polarimetric characterization and leaving orthogonal dynamics hidden. Here, we show that time-resolved single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays enable quasi-real-time observation of dual-polarization mode dynamics in few-mode fibers. Simultaneous detection of orthogonal polarization channels provides picosecond time-of-flight polarimetric readout, revealing spatio-temporal correlations between LP 01 and LP 11 modes under stress. Building on this capability, we introduce a SPAD-based single-photon polarimetric platform that reconstructs Stokes vectors across ~ 1000 spatial channels with 55 ps resolution, visualizing complex modal dynamics in MMFs. Through Hilbert-transform analysis, the system provides mode-resolved Stokes retrieval with per-pixel minimum detectable modulation of 0.002 (0.2%, 3 σ ) and signal-to-noise ratios up to 33 dB. This scalable platform enables ultrafast Stokes polarimetry in MMFs, opening new opportunities in classical and quantum photonics.
Chandrasekharan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: