Mode Transition Matrix for Multimode Optical Fiber Systems

摘要

This report discusses the Mode Transition Matrix formalism for determining theloss exhibited by a multimode, passive fiber optic component. This report presents a theoretical discussion of the technique including a detailed description of the approximations made by the matrix formalism. The report experimentally verifies that the modal properties of passive components can be described using a two dimensional matrix. This matrix description allows an accurate prediction of the device's loss when incorporated in a concatenation with other fiber optic components. Finally, the report introduces an invention which allows the mode transition matrix to be determined quickly and accurately. This invention uses fiber optic switches and mode filters to determine the transition matrix and therefore does not require a measurement of the fiber's near field pattern.