Accurate Mode-Coupling Characterization of Low-Crosstalk Ring-Core Fibers using Integral Calculation based Swept-Wavelength Interferometry Measurement

TL;DR

This paper introduces a precise measurement technique for low inter-mode coupling in ring-core fibers using swept-wavelength interferometry with an integral calculation approach, achieving high accuracy in characterizing low crosstalk fibers.

Contribution

A novel integral calculation-based swept-wavelength interferometry method for accurate inter-mode coupling characterization in low-crosstalk ring-core fibers.

Findings

Measured coupling coefficients below -30 dB/km over C band.

Validated measurement accuracy with direct system power measurements.

Demonstrated feasibility for long-distance fiber characterization.

Abstract

In this paper, to accurately characterize the low inter-mode coupling of the weakly-coupled few mode fibers (FMFs), we propose a modified inter-mode coupling characterization method based on swept-wavelength interferometry measurement, in which an integral calculation approach is used to eliminate significant sources of error that may lead to underestimation of the power coupling coefficient. Using the proposed characterization method, a low-crosstalk ring-core fiber (RCF) with low mode dependent loss (MDL) and with single span length up to 100 km is experimentally measured to have low power coupling coefficients between high-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode groups of below -30 dB/km over C band. The measured low coupling coefficients based on the proposed method are verified by the direct system power measurements, proving the feasibility and reliability of the proposed inter-mode coupling characterization method.