Inline measurement of modal phase differences for the characterization of intermodal cross-phase modulation

摘要

We present an inline measurement technique for the phase difference between two transverse fiber modes. This technique proves to be well suited for direct measurement of an all-optically changed phase difference between two transverse modes of picosecond probe pulses, induced via intermodal cross-phase modulation by co-propagating picosecond control pulses. We achieved unprecedented agreement with the corresponding analytical description for time-independent changes of the phase difference as well as for time-dependent changes on an intra-pulse timescale. The simple and accurate predictability combined with the ability to measure modal phase differences inline poses a key step towards full all-optical control over transverse modes in fibers. This may lead the way to a variety of novel functionalities for all-fiber applications, like a spatial degree of freedom in fiber-sensing technology byusing transverse fiber modes or all-optical spatial and temporal pulse shaping inside a fiber.