Wavefront shaping in multimode fibers by transmission matrix engineering

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for controlling light in multimode fibers by modulating the transmission matrix through mechanical perturbations, enabling improved focusing and mode conversion.

Contribution

The work presents a new transmission matrix engineering approach using mechanical perturbations, differing from traditional input field modulation methods.

Findings

Successful focusing at the fiber's distal end

Mode conversion achieved with mechanical perturbations

Simultaneous multi-input and multi-wavelength control demonstrated

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges in utilizing multimode optical fibers is mode-mixing and inter-modal interference, which scramble the information delivered by the fiber. A common approach for canceling these effects is to tailor the optical field at the input of the fiber to obtain a desired field at its output. In this work, we present a new approach which relies on modulating the transmission matrix of the fiber rather than the incident light. We apply computer-controlled mechanical perturbations to the fiber to obtain a desired intensity pattern at its output. Using an all-fiber apparatus, we demonstrate focusing light at the distal end of the fiber and conversion between fiber modes. Since in this approach the number of degrees of control can be larger than the number of fiber modes, it allows simultaneous control over multiple inputs and multiple wavelengths.