Dual mode fused optical fiber couplers suitable for mode division multiplexed transmission

We experimentally demonstrate 2 x 2 and 3 x 3 fused fiber couplers made from dual mode fiber. A unique mode dependent power transfer characteristics as a function of pulling length is obtained that support various optical functionalities. Exploiting this we demonstrate several devices of interest for mode division multiplexed data transmission including LP11 mode filter, LP11 mode tap coupler, and 50: 50 power splitter for both LP01 and LP11 modes. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America