Optimizing the image projection of spatially incoherent light from a multimode fiber

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive numerical model for the spatially incoherent light generated by multimode fibers, aiding in optimized image projection for ultracold-atom experiments and analyzing robustness and speckle effects.

Contribution

It introduces a full-numerical model for MMF light propagation, compatible with free space, and provides guidelines for selecting fibers in optical potential projection.

Findings

The model accurately describes incoherent light from MMFs.

Guidelines for choosing suitable MMFs are proposed.

The model's predictions align well with experimental results.

Abstract

We study the spatially incoherent light generated by a multimode fiber(MMF) in the application of image projection designed for the ultracold-atom experiments. Inspired by previous half-analytic methods concerning the incoherent light, here a full-numerical model is established to provide more quantitative descriptions, and part of results is compared with experiments. Particularly, our model about the MMF is also compatible with light propagation in free space. Based on this, we study both the intrinsic speckle and the perturbation robustness of a MMF light field, under the influence of light propagation and fiber parameters. We point out several guidelines about choosing the suitable MMF in creating a spatially incoherent light source, which is useful in the context of the ultracold-atom experiments associating with the optical potential projection.