FBS Effect and Temperature Dependence in Trench-Assisted Multimode Fiber

We propose the trench-assisted multimode fiber(TA-OM4)as a novel sensing fiber in forward Brillouin scattering(FBS)-based temperature sensor,due to its higher temperature sensitivity,better bending resistance and lower propagation loss,compared with the single mode fiber(SMF)and other sensing fibers.The FBS effect and acousto-optic interaction in TA-OM4 are the first time to be demonstrated and characterized at 1550 nm theoretically and experimentally.A 2.0 km long TA-OM4 is put into an oven to measure its temperature sensitivity,which can reach up to 80.3 kHz/℃,exceeding 53%of SMF(52.4 kHz/℃).The simulated and experimental results verify that the TA-OM4 may be a good candidate as the sensing fiber for the FBS-based temperature sensor.

Spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber laser with dissipative four-wave mixing effect

The high degree of freedom and novel nonlinear phenomena of multimode fiber are attracting attention. In this work,we demonstrate a spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber laser, which relies on microfiber knot resonance(MKR) via dissipative four-wave-mixing(DFMW) to achieve high-repetition-rate pulses. Apart from that, DFMW mode locking with switchable central wavelengths can also be obtained. It was further found that high pulse energy induced nonlinear effect of the dominant mode-locking mechanism transforming from DFMW to nonlinear Kerr beam cleaning effect(NL-KBC). The experimental results are valuable for further comprehending the dynamic characteristics of spatiotemporal mode-locked multimode fiber lasers, facilitating them much more accessible for applications.

Hybrid Long-Period Fiber Grating with Multimode Fiber Core for Refractive Index Measurement

A refractive index （RI） sensor based on hybrid long-period fiber grating （LPFG） with multimode fiber core （MMFC） is proposed and demonstrated. The surrounding RI can be determined by monitoring the separation between the resonant wavelengths of the LPFG and MMFC since the resonant wavelengths of the LPFG and MMFC will shift in opposite directions when the surrounding RI changes. Experimental results show that the sensor possesses an enhanced sensitivity of 526.92nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.387-1.394 RIU. The response to the temperature is also discussed.

Nonconvex optimization for optimum retrieval of the transmission matrix of a multimode fiber

Transmission matrix(TM)allows light control through complex media,such as multimode fibers(MMFs),gaining great attention in areas,such as biophotonics,over the past decade.Efforts have been taken to retrieve a complex-valued TM directly from intensity measurements with several representative phase-retrieval algorithms,which still see limitations of slow or suboptimum recovery,especially under noisy environments.Here,we propose a modified nonconvex optimization approach.Through numerical evaluations,it shows that the optimum focusing efficiency is approached with less running time or sampling ratio.The comparative tests under different signal-to-noise levels further indicate its improved robustness.Experimentally,the superior focusing performance of our algorithm is collectively validated by single-and multispot focusing;especially with a sampling ratio of 8,it achieves a 93.6%efficiency of the gold-standard holography method.Based on the recovered TM,image transmission through an MMF is realized with high fidelity.Due to parallel operation and GPU acceleration,our nonconvex approach retrieves a 8685×1024 TM(sampling ratio is 8)with 42.3 s on average on a regular computer.The proposed method provides optimum efficiency and fast execution for TM retrieval that avoids the need for an external reference beam,which will facilitate applications of deep-tissue optical imaging,manipulation,and treatment.

Multimode fiber speckle Stokes polarimeter

The detection of the state of polarization(SOP)of light is essential for many optical applications.However,cost-effective SOP measurement is a challenge due to the complexity of conventional methods and the poor transferability of new methods.We propose a straightforward,low-cost,and portable SOP measurement system based on the multimode fiber speckle.A convolutional neural network is utilized to establish the mapping relationship between speckle and Stokes parameters.The lowest root-mean-square error of the estimated SOP on the Poincarésphere can be 0.0042.This method is distinguished by its low cost,clear structure,and applicability to different wavelengths with high precision.The proposed method is of great value in polarization-related applications.

Efficient reference-less transmission matrix retrieval for a multimode fiber using fast Fourier transform

Imaging through multimode fiber(MMF)provides high-resolution imaging through a fiber with cross section down to tens of micrometers.It requires interferometry to measure the full transmission matrix(TM),leading to the drawbacks of complicated experimental setup and phase instability.Reference-less TM retrieval is a promising robust solution that avoids interferometry,since it recovers the TM from intensity-only measurements.However,the long computational time and failure of 3D focusing still limit its application in MMF imaging.We propose an efficient reference-less TM retrieval method by developing a nonlinear optimization algorithm based on fast Fourier transform(FFT).Furthermore,we develop an algorithm to correct the phase offset error of retrieved TM using defocused intensity images and hence achieve 3D focusing.The proposed method is validated by both simulations and experiments.The FFT-based TM retrieval algorithm achieves orders of magnitude of speedup in computational time and recovers 2286×8192 TM of a 0.22 NA and 50μm diameter MMF with 112.9 s by a computer of 32 CPU cores.With the advantages of efficiency and correction of phase offset,our method paves the way for the application of reference-less TM retrieval in not only MMF imaging but also broader applications requiring TM calibration.

Spatiotemporal nonlinear dynamics in multimode fiber laser based on carbon nanotubes

We investigated 1-μm multimode fiber laser based on carbon nanotubes,where multiple typical pulse states were observed,including Q-switched,Q-switched mode-locked,and spatiotemporal mode-locked pulses.Particularly,stable spatiotemporal mode-locking was realized with a low threshold,where the pulse duration was 37 ps and the wavelength was centred at 1060.5 nm.Moreover,both the high signal to noise and long-term operation stability proved the reliability of the mode-locked laser.Furthermore,the evolution of the spatiotemporal mode-locked pulses in the cavity was also simulated and discussed.This work exhibits the flexible outputs of spatiotemporal phenomena in multimode lasers based on nanomaterials,providing more possibilities for the development of high-dimensional nonlinear dynamics.

Optical scanning endoscope via a single multimode optical fiber

Optical endoscopy has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic approach in modern biomedicine for directly observing organs and tissues deep inside the human body,enabling non-invasive,rapid diagnosis and treatment.Optical fiber endoscopy is highly competitive among various endoscopic imaging techniques due to its high flexibility,compact structure,excellent resolution,and resistance to electromagnetic interference.Over the past decade,endoscopes based on a single multimode optical fiber(MMF)have attracted widespread research interest due to their potential to significantly reduce the footprint of optical fiber endoscopes and enhance imaging capabilities.In comparison with other imaging principles of MMF endoscopes,the scanning imaging method based on the wavefront shaping technique is highly developed and provides benefits including excellent imaging contrast,broad applicability to complex imaging scenarios,and good compatibility with various well-established scanning imaging modalities.In this review,various technical routes to achieve light focusing through MMF and procedures to conduct the scanning imaging of MMF endoscopes are introduced.The advancements in imaging performance enhancements,integrations of various imaging modalities with MMF scanning endoscopes,and applications are summarized.Challenges specific to this endoscopic imaging technology are analyzed,and potential remedies and avenues for future developments are discussed.

Transverse-mode controlling of a large-mode-area multimode fiber laser

Coiling technique is used to control the transverse mode of a large-mode-area （LMA） multimode fiber laser. By winding the fiber to a coil with different radius, high-order modes of a multimode fiber laser are suppressed one by one and finally 15.4-W single-transverse-mode output is achieved when the coil radius is 20 mm. It is found that as the coil radius decreases, the beam quality of a multimode fiber laser gets better but the slope efficiency drops for higher-order modes are discriminated. During the experiment, as the coil radius of multimode fiber changes, output characteristic of the laser has been measured. Meanwhile, the mode loss of different modes is calculated theoretically. It is proved that the experimental measured results fit well with the theoretically calculated results.

Generation of tunable multi-wavelength optical short pulses using self-seeded Fabry-Perot laser diode and tilted multimode fiber Bragg grating

We experimentally demonstrate the simultaneous generation of tunable multi-wavelength picosecond laser pulses using a self-seeding configuration that consists of a gain-switched Fabry-Perot laser diode （FPLD） with an external cavity formed by a tilted multimode fiber Bragg grating. Dual- and triple-wavelength pulses are obtained and tuned in a flexible manner by changing the temperature of the FPLD. The side mode suppression ratio larger than 25 dB is achieved at different dual- and triple-wavelengths and the typical pulsewidth of the output pulses is ,-70 ps. In the experiment, the wavelength separation can be narrowed to 0.57 nm.

Fast-forming focused spots through a multimode fiber based on an adaptive parallel coordinate algorithm

We propose an adaptive parallel coordinate （APC） algorithm for quickly forming a series of focused spots at a multimode fiber （MMF） output by controlling the MMF input field with a spatial light modulator （SLM）. Only passing over the SLM once, we can obtain SLM reflectance to form focused spots on different positions. Com- pared with the transmission matrix method, our APC does not. require iterations and massive calculations. The APC does not require as much access device time as the adaptive sequential coordinate ascent （SCA） algorithm. The experiment results demonstrate that the time taken to form 100 spots with our APC is 1/54th the time with the SCA.

Q-switched mode-locked multimode fiber laser based on a graphene-deposited multimode microfiber

We report Q-switched mode-locked(QML)pulses generation in an Yb-doped multimode fiber(MMF)laser by using a graphene-deposited multimode microfiber(GMM)for the first time,to the best of our knowledge.The single-wavelength QML operation with the central wavelength tunable from 1028.81 nm to 1039.20 nm and the dual-wavelength QML operation with the wavelength spacing tunable from 0.93 nm to 5.79 nm are achieved due to the multimode interference filtering effect induced by the few-mode fiber and MMF structure and the GMM in the cavity.Particularly,in the single-wavelength QML operation,the fifth harmonic is also realized owing to the high nonlinear effect of the GMM.The obtained results indicate that the QML pulses can be generated in the MMF laser,and such a flexible tunable laser has promising applications in optical sensing,measuring,and laser processing.

Hundred-watt level all-fiber visible supercontinuum generation from a graded-index multimode fiber

A monolithic visible supercontinuum(SC)source with a record average output power of 204 W and a spectrum ranging from580 nm to beyond 2400 nm is achieved in a piece of standard telecom graded-index multimode fiber(GRIN MMF)by designing the pumping system.The influence of the GRIN MMF length on the geometrical parameter instability(GPI)effect is analyzed for the first time,to the best of our knowledge,by comparing the SC spectral region dominated by the GPI effect under different fiber lengths.Our work could pave the way for robust,cost-effective,and high-power visible SC sources.

Single fiber dual-functionality optical tweezers based on graded-index multimode fiber

We propose and demonstrate single fiber dual-functionality optical tweezers based on a graded-index multimode fiber. By using the multi-angle fiber grinding and polishing technology, we fabricate the multimode fiber tip to be a special tapered shape, contributing to focus the outgoing beam with a large intensity gradient for the first functionality--three-dimensional contactless trapping of a microparticle. By adjusting the radial direction offset between the lead-in single mode fiber and the graded-index multimode fiber, we perform the second functionality--axial shift of the trapped microparticle with respect to the fiber tip without need of moving the fiber probe itself. It is convenient for practical applications, The theoretical and experimental results about the relationship between the radial offset and the equilibrium positions of the microparticle have the good consistency. Tailoring the trap and axial shift of the microparticle based on the graded-index multimode fiber provides convenient avenues for fiber optical tweezers a~）Dlied in practical researches.

Fiber-optic Fabry-Prot strain sensor based on graded-index multimode fiber

By using a graded-index multimode fiber （GI-MMF） with a relatively flat index profile and high refractive index of the fiber core, a microextrinsic fiber-optic Fabry Prot interferometric （MEFPI） strain sensor is fabricated through chemical etching and fusion splicing. Higher reflectance of the microcavity is obtained due to the less-curved inner wall in the center of the fiber core after etching and higher index contrast between the GI-MMF core and air. The maximum reflection of the sensor is enhanced 12 dB than that obtained by etching of the Er- or B-doped fibers. High fringe contrast of 22 dB is obtained. The strain and temperature responses of the MEFPI sensors are investigated in this experiment. Good linearity and high sensitivity are achieved, with wavelength-strain and wavelength-temperature sensitivities of 7.82 pm/με and 5.01 pm/°C, respectively.

High power low-order modes operation of a multimode fiber laser

Coiling technique is used to suppress high-order modes of a large mode area （LMA） double clapt multimode fiber. Output powers and beam quality factors M^2 are measured under two different coiling radii. 217 W with M^2 of 2.96 can be obtained for coiling radius of 165 mm and 160 W with M^2 of 1.38 for 52 mm. The corresponding slope efficiencies are 60% and 48%. With smaller coiling radius, the brightness is 3.4 times as high as that of the larger one.

Generation of a hollow laser beam by a multimode fiber

A simple method to generate a hollow laser beam by multimode fiber is reported. A dark hollow laser beam is generated from a multimode fiber and the dependence of the output beam profile on the incident angle of laser beam is analyzed. The results show that this hollow laser beam can be used to trap and guide cold atoms.

Theoretical analysis of lens array for uniform irradiation on target in multimode fiber lasers

We propose and demonstrate a scheme to smooth and shape the on-target patterns in multimode fiber lasers, which includes expanding-collimating system and lens array （LA）. A smooth pattern with flat-top and sharp-edge profiles can be obtained with the irradiation nonuniformity decreasing significantly. We analyze the effects of the parameters such as defocus distance, the tilt angles, the number of the incident fiber lasers, and the diffraction-weakened LA on the uniformity irradiation of target by numerical simulations.

Single-mode output by controlling the spatiotemporal nonlinearities in mode-locked femtosecond multimode fiber lasers

The performance of fiber mode-locked lasers is limited due to the high nonlinearity induced by the spatial confinement of the single-mode fiber core.To massively increase the pulse energy of the femtosecond pulses,amplification is performed outside the oscillator.Recently,spatiotemporal mode-locking has been proposed as a new path to fiber lasers.However,the beam quality was highly multimode,and the calculated threshold pulse energy(>100 nJ)for nonlinear beam self-cleaning was challenging to realize.We present an approach to reach high energy per pulse directly in the mode-locked multimode fiber oscillator with a near single-mode output beam.Our approach relies on spatial beam self-cleaning via the nonlinear Kerr effect,and we demonstrate a multimode fiber oscillator with M^2<1.13 beam profile,up to 24 nJ energy,and sub-100 fs compressed duration.Nonlinear beam self-cleaning is verified both numerically and experimentally for the first time in a mode-locked multimode laser cavity.The reported approach is further power scalable with larger core sized fibers up to a certain level of modal dispersion and could benefit applications that require high-power ultrashort lasers with commercially available optical fibers.

Shaping the light amplified in a multimode fiber

Propagation of light in multimode optical fibers usually gives a spatial and temporal randomization of the transmitted field similar to the propagation through scattering media.Randomization still applies when scattering or multimode propagation occurs in gain media.We demonstrate that appropriate structuration of the input beam wavefront can shape the light amplified by a rareearth-doped multimode fiber.Profiling of the wavefront was achieved by a deformable mirror in combination with an iterative optimization process.We present experimental results and simulations showing the shaping of a single sharp spot at different places in the output cross-section of an ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier.Cleaning and narrowing of the amplifier far-field pattern was realized as well.Tailoring the wavefront to shape the amplified light can also serve to improve the effective gain.The shaping approach still works under gain saturation,showing the robustness of the method.Modeling and experiments attest that the shaping is effective even with a highly multimode fiber amplifier carrying up to 127 modes.