Nonlinear optics in the LP02 higher-order mode of a fiber

The distinct disperion properties of higher-order modes in optical fibers permit the nonlinear generation of radiation deeper into the ultraviolet than is possible with the fundamental mode. This is exploited using adiabatic, broadband mode convertors to couple light efficiently from an input fundamental mode and also to return the generated light to an output fundamental mode over a broad spectral range. For example, we generate visible and UV supercontinuum light in the LP02 mode of a photonic crystal fiber from sub-ns pulses with a wavelength of 532 nm. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America