Free-space beam shaping for precise control and conversion of modes in optical fiber

We consider the general problem of free-space beam shaping for coupling in and out of higher order modes (HOMs) in optical fibers with high purity and low loss. We compare the performance of two simple phase structures - binary phase plates (BPPs) and axicons - for converting Gaussian beams to HOMs and vice versa. Both axicons and BPPs allow for excitation of modes with high purity (>15 dB parasitic mode suppression), or conversion of HOMs to near-Gaussian beams (M-2 < 1.25). Axicon coupling in single-clad fibers allows for lower loss (0.85 +/- 0.1 dB) conversion than BPPs (1.7 +/- 0.1 dB); but BPPs are compatible with any fiber design, and allow for rapid switching between modes. The experiments detailed here use all commercial components and fibers, allowing for a simple means to investigate the unique properties of multimode fibers. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America